X-ray, CT and MRI Detections of Chondrosarcoma of Ribs

Objective To analyze the X-ray, CT and MRI fi ndings of chondrosarcoma of ribs, and discuss the related clinic and radiology features and differential diagnosis. Methods The clinic and radiology features of 13 patients with chondrosarcoma of ribs confi rmed by surgery and pathological examination were analyzed. All patients underwent the partial X-ray examination, CT and MR scan. The imaging signs of 5 cases undergoing contrast-enhanced CT scan were compared with the pathologic fi ndings and confi rmed by double blind method. Results All 13 patients were classifi ed as well-differentiated and moderately-differentiated conventional chondrosarcoma. Ten cases occurred in anterior of ribs, adjacent to costal cartilage. Two cases occurred in the costal head. And one cases occurred in the middle of the rib. The diameters of the tumors ranged from 2.8 to 14.3 cm with 4 cases less than 5.0, 8 cases between 5.0 and 10 cm, and 1 case more than 10.0 cm. All tumors were with scallop-like soft tissue mass and “ring and arc” mineralization. Conclusion Chondrosarcoma of Ribs fi ndings are bone destruction, lobulated masses and calcifi cation in X-ray and CT. The value of enhancement CT is not obvious. MRI has great value for showing the size and range of the soft tissue masses.