Synovial sarcoma: Magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging features and differential diagnostic considerations

Liang,Changhua; Mao,Huajie; Tan,Jing; Ji,Yinghua; Sun,Fengxia; Dou,Wenguang; Wang,Huifang; Wang,Hongpo; Gao,Jianbo

doi:10.3892/ol.2014.2774

Synovial sarcoma: Magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging features and differential diagnostic considerations

Authors:
- Changhua Liang
- Huajie Mao
- Jing Tan
- Yinghua Ji
- Fengxia Sun
- Wenguang Dou
- Huifang Wang
- Hongpo Wang
- Jianbo Gao
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Affiliations: Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China, Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China, Department of Internal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
Published online on: December 5, 2014 https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2014.2774
Pages: 661-666

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Abstract

The present study retrospectively examined 24 cases of pathologically confirmed synovial sarcoma and analyzed the clinical presentation and imaging findings in order to explore the imaging features of synovial sarcoma. The majority of the lesions were large (>5 cm; 88%), rounded or lobulated, relatively well‑defined tumor masses in the extremities near the joints or deeply located. On computed tomography (CT) scans, the lesions demonstrated intensity signals similar to those of muscle. Six cases exhibited punctate calcification in the periphery of the tumor. On T1‑weighted images, the largest lesions of >5 cm, were usually heterogeneous, with a signal intensity similar to or slightly higher than that of muscle. On T2‑weighted images, heterogeneous high‑intensity or slightly high‑intensity signals were observed, with 12 cases exhibiting a high signal consistent with hemorrhage and 12 presenting signals that indicated internal septations. Contrast‑enhanced scanning revealed heterogeneous enhancement in the majority of the lesions and no enhancement in areas of cystic necrosis or internal septations. Synovial sarcoma has specific imaging features, and comprehensive analysis of CT and magnetic resonance imaging can improve the accuracy of the pre‑operative diagnosis.

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