J Korean Radiol Soc.
1996 Oct;35(4):559-564.
Radiological Findings of Primary Abdominal Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma: Emphasis on CT Findings
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Catholic University Medical College, Korea.
Abstract
- PURPOSE
To evaluate the radiological findings of abdominal malignant fibrous histiocytomas.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the radiological findings of 13 masses in seven patients including two patients with multiple masses. The masses were located at the mesentery and omentum in three patients and at theretroperitoneum in four. Gastrointestinal examination using barium was performed in four patients, ultrasonographyin five and computed tomography in all.
RESULTS
The average diameter of masses was 7.8cm(range : 1-20cm); plain abdominal films revealed soft tissue masses in all patients. Three of four barium studies demonstrated only displacement of bowel loops and the other showed findings of submucosal tumor. Eight of 11 masses were detected on ultrasonography and all were round or lobulated and had well defined margins. Four of these masses were greater than 8cm in diameter and showed homogeneous echogenicity with central hypo or anechoic area ; the remaining wereless than 8cm and showed relatively homogeneous echogenicity. On computed tomography, all 13 masses were seen as highly enhanced and well circumscribed. Seven were greater than 5cm in diameter and had internal low-densityareas. Peritumoral vessel-like structures were seen in eight masses and on plain abdominal radiograph and computed tomogram, calcification was seen in one patient. In no patient was combined retroperitoneal or intraperitoneal lymphadenopathy noted.
CONCLUSION
Abdominal malignant fibrous histiocytomas are well-circumscribed, round orlobulated bulky masses with frequent necrosis and occasional calcification. Characteristically, there is nocombined lymphadenopathy and multiple masses are a rare manifestation. These findings may be helpful in the diagnosis of malignant fibrous histiocytoma.
