Abstract
Two cases on myositis ossificans circumscripta (MOC) in the arm are reported. Plain X-ray films and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed in both cases. In the first, an intramuscular tumor-like mass without calcifications was found on MRI with soft-tissue edema extension. In the second, MRI disclosed additional bone-marrow edema. The diagnosis of MOC was confirmed by biopsy in one case and by follow-up in the other. MOC is a benign soft-tissue lesion that is rare in children, with an acute course and usually spontaneously favorable evolution. The differential diagnosis from an infection or a malignant tumor remains difficult. The best imaging modalities are conventional radiography and MRI. The MRI patterns of MOC are typical but not pathognomonic; typical MRI findings in conjunction with clinical symptoms during the early phase of MOC permit the postponement of a biopsy or aggressive surgical procedures. Surgery is indicated for cases not showing typical MOC calcifications at a later stage.
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Accepted: 26 May 1998
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Hanquinet, S., Ngo, L., Anooshiravani, M. et al. Magnetic resonance imaging helps in the early diagnosis of myositis ossificans in children. Pediatr Surg Int 15, 287–289 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003830050580
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003830050580