Primary spinal chondrosarcoma: radiologic findings with pathologic correlation.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the radiologic appearance of the four types of primary spinal chondrosarcoma (CHS) (conventional intramedullary, juxtacortical, clear cell, and mesenchymal) and to correlate with histopathologic findings.


METHODS
A retrospective review was carried out of 5 patients with histopathologically confirmed primary spinal CHS; 3 F and 2 M ranging in age between 27 and 66 years (mean 40.2; median 39). Charts, conventional radiographs, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance images were reviewed. All the patients underwent surgical excision, followed by postoperative chemotherapy (1 patient) and radiotherapy (3 patients). Follow-up was available for all patients but one. The mean follow-up was 42 months (14-120 months). Histopathological specimens for all patients were available for review.


RESULTS
Vertebral column distribution was 3 thoracic (60%), 1 cervical (20%), and 1 lumbar (20%). Neurological deficits were present in 3 (60%) cases. The radiological appearance of the four types of primary spinal CHS varies with specific lesion type. Imaging findings suggest diagnosis of the conventional intramedullary and juxtacortical types. While the clear cell and mesenchymal types show some distinctive features, these do not allow confident radiologic diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The radiologist must be aware of imaging features of these tumors in order to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and prognosis.
Department of Radiology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway. isabel.lloret@radiumhospitalet.no
I
I
Lloret
A
A
Server
B
B
Bjerkehagen
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology; D002813:Chondrosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods