Masses and pseudomasses of the hand and wrist: MR findings in 134 cases

Abstract

  Objective. To assess the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the investigation of palpable masses in the hand or wrist.<@head-abs-p1.lf>Design and patients. We retrospectively reviewed the MRI examinations and case records of 134 patients referred because of a palpable mass in the hand or wrist. MRI was performed on a 1.0 T magnet using an extremity coil. Intravenous gadolinium-DTPA was injected when considered appropriate.<@head-abs-p1.lf>Results and conclusions. MRI demonstrated the cause of the palpable mass in 126 cases (94.02%). Soft tissue neoplasms were found in 34 cases (25.37%). The majority were benign and included giant cell tumours of tendon sheath, lipomas and hemangiomas and had a characteristic appearance. There were three malignant tumours (myxoid liposarcoma, malignant fibroushistiocytoma and rhabdomyosarcoma). Ganglia were found in 36 cases (26.86%) and non-tumour tendon pathology in 31 cases (23.13%). Less common causes included articular diseases (5.97%) and anatomical variants (4.47%). No focal lesion was present in 8 cases (5.97%). In conclusion, MRI is an accurate diagnostic technique in patients who present with a palpable mass of the hand and wrist.