title: Multi-detector computed tomography in evaluating locally aggressive and malignant bone tumours.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the ability of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography in preoperative evaluation of locally aggressive and malignant bone tumours in correlation with histopathological findings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty patients suspected of malignant bone tumours on the basis of their clinical profile were selected. Following a plain radiograph evaluation, all of them were subjected to CT scan examination. Multi Planar Reconstruction (MPR) was done in sagittal and coronal planes and also three-dimensional Volume Rendering (VR) and Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) images were obtained.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 20 patients, 18 underwent surgery, and their histopathological findings were compared and correlated with MDCT findings. MDCT was 92.8% sensitive and 100% specific in determining the vascularity of the tumour and also can detect displacement/ encasement/ involvement of adjacent vessels. It has a sensitivity and specificity of 100% in determining cortical break, calcification and periosteal reaction. However, it is less sensitive in detecting joint involvement. Post contrast enhancement gives details of the extent of the soft tissue component.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although MRI is a preferred modality in preoperative evaluation of bone tumours, CT may be used an alternative in case of non-availability of MRI, which has faster acquisition time and better resolution. Using three dimensional MPR imaging, the location and extent of the tumour can be studied. It is also useful in determining cortical discontinuity, periosteal reaction, and calcification. By virtue of MIP and VR imaging, vascularity of the tumour and its relationship with the adjacent vasculature can be established. However, it is inferior to MRI in soft tissue characterization and has poor sensitivity in detecting marrow and joint involvement.
authors.affiliation: Resident Physician, Department of Radiology, Alexandra Hospital , Singapore .
authors.forename: Kumar Venu Madhav
authors.initials: KV
authors.lastname: Ramavathu
authors.affiliation: Senior Resident, Department of Radiodiagnosis, PGIMER and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital , New Delhi, India .
authors.forename: Swapndeep Singh
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Atwal
authors.affiliation: Professor and Head, Department of Radiodiagnosis, PGIMER and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital , New Delhi, India .
authors.forename: U C
authors.initials: UC
authors.lastname: Garga
keywords: Histopathology; MRI; Radiograph