Widespread inflammatory response to osteoblastoma: the flare phenomenon.
A case of vertebral osteoblastoma caused a diffuse, reactive inflammatory infiltrate in two vertebrae, adjacent ribs, and the paraspinous soft tissues. The authors call this the flare phenomenon. On magnetic resonance images the diffuse inflammatory response caused a misleading appearance that simulated a malignant process (lymphoma or Ewing sarcoma). A computed tomographic myelogram was diagnostic.
Crim
J R
JR
Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine 90024.
Mirra
J M
JM
Eckardt
J J
JJ
Seeger
L L
LL
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010017:Osteoma, Osteoid / Q000150:complications*; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*