Cross-sectional imaging patterns of desmoplastic fibroma

The aim of this study was to work out the cross-sectional imaging character istics of desmoplastic fibroma (DF). In 3 patients with histologically prov en DF, the imaging characteristics obtained with cross-sectional techniques were reviewed retrospectively. Radiographs and CT scans were available in all patients, and plain and contrast-enhanced MR examinations in 2 patients . Compared with conventional radiographs, CT allowed more accurate assessme nt of the extent of bone destruction including cortical breakthrough and ar ticular invasion. Intramedullary tumor growth and soft tissue extension was best detected with MRI. Apart from heterogeneity on MR images, DF displaye d nonspecific low signal intensity on unenhanced T1-weighted images and an intermediate to high signal intensity including areas of low intensity on T 2-weighted images. Desmoplastic fibroma showed a distinct, inhomogeneous ga dolinium enhancement. Although cross-sectional imaging features of DF are n onspecific, some MR characteristics, such as inhomogeneous contrast enhance ment and the presence of low-intensity regions on T2-weighted images, are h elpful in determining the differential diagnosis. Cross-sectional imaging o f DF is useful for local staging of the tumor because it provides valuable information about the extent of bone destruction as well as medullary and e xtraosseous spread.