Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alejandro Lemor, M.D. [2]

Overview

MRI is the optimal imaging test for the diagnosis of liposarcoma. MRI findings for a well-differentiated liposarcoma include a mass with at least 75% of adipose content with thin irregular septa. MRI also evaluates the size, location, and depth of the mass. MRI findings help to differentiate between the different sub-types of liposarcoma and also help to assess distant metastasis.

MRI

MRI findings for a well-differentiated liposarcoma include a mass with at least 75% of adipose content with thin irregular septa.^[1]
Other sub-types may demonstrate fewer adipose content.
Thick septa inside the mass are associated with a malignant disease and poorer prognosis.
Hemorrhage and necrosis may be observed within the mass among patients with the de-differentiated sub-type of liposarcoma.
Typically, myxoid liposarcoma has a low signal intensity on T1, in contrast to well-differentiated liposarcoma which has a high intensity signal on T1 due to the presence of high adipose content.^[2]
The myxoid sub-type may be associated with a cystic appearance on MRI among approximately 20% of cases. The myxoid sub-type may also appear multilobulated. ^[3]

Images

Myxoid Liposarcoma: Large soft tissue mass is noted at the medial posterior portion of the lower part of the left thigh. It has an isointense signal to the adjacent muscles on T1 sequences with an area of high signal intensity which is suppressed by STIR sequences indicating fatty component. It appears intermediate in signal intensity on T2 sequences with intense enhancement post-gadolinium injection.
Image courtesy of Radiopaedia.org

References

↑ Peterson, Jeffrey J.; Kransdorf, Mark J.; Bancroft, Laura W.; O’Connor, Mary I. (2003). “Malignant fatty tumors: classification, clinical course, imaging appearance and treatment”. Skeletal Radiology. 32 (9): 493–503. doi:10.1007/s00256-003-0647-8. ISSN 0364-2348.
↑ M. S. Sung, H. S. Kang, J. S. Suh, J. H. Lee, J. M. Park, J. Y. Kim & H. G. Lee (2000). “Myxoid liposarcoma: appearance at MR imaging with histologic correlation”. Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. 20 (4): 1007–1019. doi:10.1148/radiographics.20.4.g00jl021007. PMID 10903690. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
↑ M. S. Sung, H. S. Kang, J. S. Suh, J. H. Lee, J. M. Park, J. Y. Kim & H. G. Lee (2000). “Myxoid liposarcoma: appearance at MR imaging with histologic correlation”. Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. 20 (4): 1007–1019. doi:10.1148/radiographics.20.4.g00jl021007. PMID 10903690. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

Template:WikiDoc Sources

[PetersonKransdorf2003-1] Peterson, Jeffrey J.; Kransdorf, Mark J.; Bancroft, Laura W.; O’Connor, Mary I. (2003). “Malignant fatty tumors: classification, clinical course, imaging appearance and treatment”. Skeletal Radiology. 32 (9): 493–503. doi:10.1007/s00256-003-0647-8. ISSN 0364-2348.

[2] M. S. Sung, H. S. Kang, J. S. Suh, J. H. Lee, J. M. Park, J. Y. Kim & H. G. Lee (2000). “Myxoid liposarcoma: appearance at MR imaging with histologic correlation”. Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. 20 (4): 1007–1019. doi:10.1148/radiographics.20.4.g00jl021007. PMID 10903690. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

[3] M. S. Sung, H. S. Kang, J. S. Suh, J. H. Lee, J. M. Park, J. Y. Kim & H. G. Lee (2000). “Myxoid liposarcoma: appearance at MR imaging with histologic correlation”. Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. 20 (4): 1007–1019. doi:10.1148/radiographics.20.4.g00jl021007. PMID 10903690. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

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Liposarcoma MRI

Overview

MRI

Images

References

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