Superficial bone metastases: report of two cases from colonic origin

Two cases of superficial bony metastases from colonic adenocarcinoma are re ported. The plain film, CT and MR features are presented. The diagnostic im aging features and differential diagnosis are discussed. Superficial bony m etastases are rare (2% of bony metastases) and only the characteristics of cortical bone vascularization allow to understand the superficial origin at the level of the cortex or subperiosteum. Magnetic resonance imaging is th e modality of choice to characterize the tumor site and local extension. Di agnosis is suspected by clinical history and confirmed at biopsy.