Characteristic perfusion pattern of giant cell tumor of bone in dynamic MRimaging

Purpose. To describe the perfusion pattern of giant cell tumor (GCT) of bon e with Gd-enhanced dynamic MR imaging. To compare time-intensity-curves in patients with local recurrence and postoperative alterations without recurr ence. Methods. Nine patients (5 women, 4 men) with GCT of bone underwent 19 dynam ic MRI examinations. Mean age was 34 years (range 24-64 years). All diagnos es were proven by pathology. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI was performed at 1.0 T using T1-weighted gradient echo sequences. GCT was located in the di stal radius (4x), tibia (3x), fibula (1x)and humeral head (1x). Results. All giant cell tumors showed a uniform perfusion pattern with a st eep slope and maximum intensity value followed by an early and rapid washou t phase. The same pattern appeared in five local recurrences of GCT in four patients. In nine follow-up examinations without local recurrence dynamic MRI yielded in uncharacteristic perfusion patterns. Conclusion. These results demonstrate a uniform perfusion pattern of GCT of bone obtained by dynamic MRI. It is characterized by a steep slope followe d by an early and rapid washout phase. This characteristic pattern can also be obtained in local recurrences. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI appears a helpful method for primary diagnosis of GCT of bone and detection of local recurrences after surgery.