Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls University, Germany

Authored date:02-09-2004

Patient History

45 year old, male patient with a suspicion of lipoma in the region of the right elbow. Primary diagnosis 2 years ago. Now increasing pain, especially during flexion/extension of the elbow. MR images should be acquired to assess the tumor prior to excision.

Examination

After written, informed consent was obtained, examination was performed on a 1.5 T MAGNETOM Sonata scanner using a flex-extremity coil. Sagital and coronal T2-STIR sequences. T1w-TSE sagital and axial nativ and contrast enhanced images. T2w images sagital.

Image Findings

In the region of the right elbow medial, palpable tumor (size 8.3x2.3 cm). The lesion extends distally and partially coating the radial bone. Due to the hypointense signal in T2 and STIR images and marked hyperintense signal in T1w images there is strong evidence for a lipoma. Inconspicious findings concerning the osseous structures with preserved cortex. No signs of infiltration into neighboring muscles. After contrast application there is no enhancement of the lesion, therefore a liposarcoma can be exluded from the differential diagnosis.

Results and Discussions

Smooth, oval tumor medial to the right elbow joint, which appears as a benign lipoma. No evidence of malignancy.