Imaging of giant cell tumors of the skull:a report of 16 cases and literature review / 实用放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the imaging features of giant cell tumors (GCTs) of the skull and review of the literatures.Methods CT and MR features of 16 histologically proven GCTs of the skull were analyzed retrospectively.The imaging features of GCTs of the skull were summarized based on literature.Results 16 patients (male=9,female=7) with GCTs of the skull were enrolled in the study.Most of the lesions were originated from sphenoid and temporal bone.On CT scan,the lesions showed slightly hyperdense with cystic formation.Those of the sphenoid bone in sellar region usually showed osteolytic bone destruction;those of the temporal bone usually showed expansive bone destruction,foci calcification in the lesion and discontinuous "bony shell" sign could be seen at the edge.On MR images,the lesion showed isointense on T1 WI and iso-or hypointense on T2 WI with cystic formation.After contrast medium injection,the lesions demonstrated heterogeneous and apparent enhancement,and the enhancement of the adjacent meninges could be detected in some cases.Conclusion GCTs of the skull mainly originate from sphenoid and temporal bone,and the bone changes are different between the two sites on CT scan.The imaging features of GCTs are various on MR images and mainly show isointense or hypointense on T2 WI.