Hepatic metastases from leiomyosarcoma: MR features with histopathologic correlation

Abstract.

Background: To determine the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of hepatic metastases from leiomyosarcoma and determine the pathologic basis for the MR appearance of these neoplasms.

Methods: MR examinations of eight patients with a total of 16 hepatic metastases from leiomyosarcoma were retrospectively reviewed. Hepatic metastases originated from a primary gastrointestinal (n = 6), uterine (n = 1), or retroperitoneal (n = 1) leiomyosarcoma. Correlation between MR features and pathologic findings was performed in 11 metastases from which histologic material was obtained.

Results: Among the 10 metastases seen on T1-weighted MR images, nine were homogeneous and one was heterogeneous. The latter contained areas of necrosis and hemorrhage on pathologic examination. Among the 16 metastases seen on T2-weighted MR images, 12 were well delineated and completely homogeneous, with a marked hyperintense signal (``hemangiomalike'' pattern). These neoplasms were composed of smooth fibrous tissue without macroscopically visible areas of necrosis on pathologic examination. The remaining four metastases were heterogeneous and contained varying degrees of necrosis and hemorrhage or gelatinous tissue.

Conclusion: A hemangiomalike pattern is the most common feature on T2-weighted MR images. We found that homogeneous hyperintensity of hepatic metastases from leiomyosarcoma on T2-weighted MR image does not reflect cystic changes.