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Regression of an enchondroma: a case report and proposed etiology

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Abstract

Enchondromas are common benign bone lesions that are found in the medullary cavity of tubular bones, usually at the metaphysis. Regression is highly unusual, and loss of matrix mineralization in an existing enchondroma should prompt investigation for malignant transformation. We present the case of a 50-year-old woman with an enchondroma of the proximal humeral metadiaphysis, which underwent loss of matrix mineralization that corresponded to replacement with marrow fat on MRI. This transformation of the cartilage tumor matrix into normal bone marrow may occur in a process similar to that seen with endochondral ossification.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported in part by the Cancer Center Support Grant (NCI Grant P30 CA016672).

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The authors have no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1475, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Anirban Sensarma, John E. Madewell, Rajendra Kumar & Behrang Amini

  2. Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Jeanne M. Meis

  3. Department of Orthopedic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Patrick P. Lin

Authors
  1. Anirban Sensarma
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  2. John E. Madewell
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  3. Jeanne M. Meis
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  4. Rajendra Kumar
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  5. Patrick P. Lin
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  6. Behrang Amini
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Correspondence to Behrang Amini.

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Sensarma, A., Madewell, J.E., Meis, J.M. et al. Regression of an enchondroma: a case report and proposed etiology. Skeletal Radiol 44, 739–742 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-014-2032-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-014-2032-1

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