Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging features of cervical chordoma

Cui,Jiu‑Fa; Hao,Da‑Peng; Chen,Hai‑Song; Liu,Ji‑Hua; Hou,Feng; Xu,Wen‑Jian

doi:10.3892/ol.2018.8721

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging features of cervical chordoma

Authors:
- Jiu‑Fa Cui
- Da‑Peng Hao
- Hai‑Song Chen
- Ji‑Hua Liu
- Feng Hou
- Wen‑Jian Xu
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Affiliations: Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China, Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
Published online on: May 16, 2018 https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2018.8721
Pages: 861-865
Copyright: © Cui et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 11 patients with histologically proven cervical chordoma were retrospectively evaluated. Imaging features assessed included location, morphology, association with adjacent structures, vertebral destruction, status of cortical bone, periosteal reaction, attenuation and calcification by CT, and signal intensity and enhancement pattern by MRI. Of 7 cases with CT, 6 exhibited lytic‑sclerotic bone destruction. A total of 5 cases exhibited pressure erosion of outer cortex, 3 of which had spiculated periosteal reaction. Calcification was observed in 3 cases. All cases were heterogeneous and hypodense. MRI T2‑weighted images (n=10) revealed heterogeneous hyperintense (n=5), intermediate (n=2) and intermediate‑hyperintense signal intensity (n=3). Hypointense septa between lobules (n=5) and stripes (n=3) were observed on T2‑weighted images. Post‑contrast magnetic resonance images (n=6) demonstrated marked heterogeneous (n=3) and ring‑like (n=3) enhancement. CT scanning is valuable in revealing the lytic‑sclerotic bone destruction, pressure erosion of outer cortex and calcification. MRI is useful in demonstrating the results of soft tissue mass. The two examinations are necessary for differential diagnosis of patients with suspected cervical chordoma.

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