Osteosarcoma MRI

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Osteosarcoma Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Osteosarcoma from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Staging
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Biopsy
X Ray
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Osteosarcoma MRI On the Web
Most recent articles
cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Osteosarcoma MRI All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Osteosarcoma MRI
CDC on Osteosarcoma MRI
Osteosarcoma MRI in the news
Blogs on Osteosarcoma MRI
Directions to Hospitals Treating Osteosarcoma
Risk calculators and risk factors for Osteosarcoma MRI

Overview

On MRI, osteosarcoma is characterized by intermediate intensity of soft tissue and low signal intensity of ossified components on T1. High signal intensity of soft tissue and low signal imtensity of ossified components on T2. Considerable contrast enhancement of solid components on T1 contrast.

MRI

• MRI is proving essential in accurate local staging and assessment for limb sparing resection, particularly for evaluation of intraosseous tumor extension and soft-tissue involvement.
• Assessment of the growth plate is also essential as up to 75-88% of metaphyseal tumors do cross the growth plate into the epiphysis.
• On MRI, signal characteristics of osteosarcoma include:

T1:

• Soft tissue, non-mineralized component: intermediate signal intensity.
• Mineralized/ossified components: low signal intensity.
• Peri-tumoral edema: intermediate signal intensity.
• Scattered regions of haemorrhage will have variable signal.

T2:

• Soft tissue non-mineralised component: high signal intensity.
• Mineralised/ossified components: low signal intensity.
• peri-tumoral oedema: high signal intensity.

T1 C+ (Gd):

• Solid components show considerable enhancement.

Images courtesy of RadsWiki

• 
  MRI T1
• 
  MRI T1
• 
  MRI T1 post gad
• 
  MRI T1 post gad
• 
  MRI T2 fat sat
• 
  MRI T2 fat sat