Objective. To assess the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the
investigation of palpable masses in the hand or wrist.
Design and patients. We retrospectively reviewed the MRI examinations and c
ase records of 134 patients referred because of a palpable mass in the hand
or wrist. MRI was performed on a 1.0 T magnet using an extremity coil. Int
ravenous gadolinium-DTPA was injected when considered appropriate.
Results and conclusions. MRI demonstrated the cause of the palpable mass in
126 cases (94.02%). Soft tissue neoplasms were found in 34 cases (25.37%).
The majority were benign and included giant cell tumours of tendon sheath,
lipomas and hemangiomas and had a characteristic appearance. There were th
ree malignant tumours (myxoid liposarcoma, malignant fibroushistiocytoma an
d rhabdomyosarcoma). Ganglia were found in 36 cases (26.86%) and non-tumour
tendon pathology in 31 cases (23.13%). Less common causes included articul
ar diseases (5.97%) and anatomical variants (4.47%). No focal lesion was pr
esent in 8 cases (5.97%). In conclusion, MRI is an accurate diagnostic tech
nique in patients who present with a palpable mass of the hand and wrist.