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MR imaging findings of focal myositis: a pseudotumour that may mimic muscle neoplasm

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Abstract

Objective

The authors describe magnetic resonance (MR) findings in eight patients with histologically confirmed focal myositis.

Materials and methods

In each patient, axial TSE T1-weighted and fast short-tau inversion recovery (STIR) images were obtained using a 1.5-T MR scanner. Three patients also underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MR examination using a GE T1-weighted sequence. The following features were evaluated: anatomical distribution, extent of the involvement, signal intensity characteristics, dynamic enhancement pattern and outcome at follow-up examinations.

Results

Seven of eight lesions were located in the lower extremities, one of eight in the arm; four of eight involved part of a muscle, two of eight diffusely involved a muscle and two of eight showed multifocal involvement of two or more muscles. All lesions were hyperintense on fast-STIR images: the hyperintensity was homogeneous in six of eight and inhomogeneous in two of eight. On T1-weighted unenhanced images, all lesions but two appeared isointense or slightly hypointense in comparison to normal muscles; two lesions showed a slight hyperintensity. Dynamic enhancement pattern corresponded to the type usually seen in benign soft tissue lesions. All lesions disappeared.

Conclusion

Focal myositis is an uncommon pseudotumour which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of muscular masses and myopathies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Messina, A.O.U. “Policlinico G. Martino”, Via Consolare Valeria, 98100, Messina, Italy

    Michele Gaeta, Silvio Mazziotti, Fabio Minutoli, Antonino Genitori & Alfredo Blandino

  2. Department of Neurosciences, Psychiatry and Anaesthesiology, University of Messina, A.O.U. “Policlinico G. Martino”, Via Consolare Valeria, 98100, Messina, Italy

    Antonio Toscano & Carmelo Rodolico

  3. Viale dei Tigli, 25, 98168, Messina, Italy

    Fabio Minutoli

Authors
  1. Michele Gaeta
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  2. Silvio Mazziotti
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  3. Fabio Minutoli
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  4. Antonino Genitori
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  5. Antonio Toscano
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  6. Carmelo Rodolico
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  7. Alfredo Blandino
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Correspondence to Fabio Minutoli.

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Gaeta, M., Mazziotti, S., Minutoli, F. et al. MR imaging findings of focal myositis: a pseudotumour that may mimic muscle neoplasm. Skeletal Radiol 38, 571–578 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-009-0664-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-009-0664-3

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