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MR imaging of thymic epithelial tumors: correlation with World Health Organization classification

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of various subtypes of thymic epithelial tumors based on the World Health Organization classification.

Materials and methods

The study included 64 patients with histologically proven thymic epithelial tumors. Two observers evaluated the MRI findings in terms of tumor size, contour, lobulation, shape, homogeneity, the presence of intratumor high- and low-signal foci, enhancement degree and pattern, the presence of capsule and septum, and associated mediastinal lymphadenopathy and pleural effusion.

Results

Type A tumors were more likely to have a smooth contour, round shape, distinct capsule, and smaller size compared to any other type of thymic epithelial tumor. Thymic carcinomas demonstrated a higher prevalence of low-signal foci within the mass on T2-weighted images and mediastinal lymphadenopathy than any other types. The frequency of heterogeneous intensity on T2-weighted images increased from type A tumors to thymic carcinomas.

Conclusion

The presence of a smooth contour, round shape, and capsule is highly suggestive of a type A tumor. Foci of low signal intensity in the mass on T2-weighted images and mediastinal lymphadenopathy are highly suggestive of thymic carcinomas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan

    Atsuo Inoue, Noriyuki Tomiyama, Mitsuko Tsubamoto, Sachiko Murai, Javzandulam Natsag, Hiromitsu Sumikawa, Naoki Mihara, Osamu Honda, Seiki Hamada & Hironobu Nakamura

  2. Department of Radiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan

    Kiminori Fujimoto & Junko Sadohara

  3. Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan

    Itsuko Nakamichi, Yasuhiko Tomita & Katsuyuki Aozasa

  4. Department of Medical Physics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan

    Takeshi Johkoh

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  1. Atsuo Inoue
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Correspondence to Atsuo Inoue.

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Cite this article

Inoue, A., Tomiyama, N., Fujimoto, K. et al. MR imaging of thymic epithelial tumors: correlation with World Health Organization classification. Radiat Med 24, 171–181 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-005-1530-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-005-1530-4

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