Chondroblastoma of the Clivus: Case Report and Review

Temporal bone chondroblastoma: Imaging characteristics with pathologic correlation

“…Although there have been a limited number of case reports of chondroblastomas occurring in the petrous part, the present study concurrently validated the fact that the squamous part is the most common site of chondroblastoma in the temporal bone and the adjacent sphenoid bone is also frequently involved, resulting in tumor location of the middle cranial fossa . Because the temporal and sphenoid bones are made embryologically by endochondral ossification, the frequent occurrence of chondroblastoma in this region may be explained by the assumption that the tumor may result from embryonal cartilaginous rests entrapped in the tympanosquamous or sphenotemporal sutures . Although chondroblastoma is benign, the mass usually invades the surrounding structures, including the temporal fossa, infratemporal fossa, temporomandibular joint, and tympanic cavity.…”

“…6 Because the temporal and sphenoid bones are made embryologically by endochondral ossification, the frequent occurrence of chondroblastoma in this region may be explained by the assumption that the tumor may result from embryonal cartilaginous rests entrapped in the tympanosquamous or sphenotemporal sutures. 4,20 Although chondroblastoma is benign, the mass usually invades the surrounding structures, including the temporal fossa, infratemporal fossa, temporomandibular joint, and tympanic cavity. However, the smooth compression to the adjacent temporal lobe of the brain is first described in this study, along with a characteristic feature, which suggests the slowly growing tendency of the tumors.…”

“…According to the literature, in the temporal bone as well as long bones, the MRI features of chondroblastoma have been variously reported as nonspecific mixed features of hyperintense and hypointense signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging, and variable enhancement, in addition to calcification in up to 50% cases, which might concur with the results of the present study. 8,16,20,22 Although "chicken-wire calcification" has been known to be the characteristic in chondroblastoma, 2,4,13,18 the amount of calcification was variable on both pathologic specimens and CT. The morphologic pattern of calcification on CT was also variable rather than the typical ring and arc patterns, which are known to be characteristic in other chondroid lesions, such as enchondroma or chondrosarcoma.…”

“…In addition to the pelvic bone, talus, calcaneus, and patella, craniofacial bones are rare locations of chondroblastoma, with the incidence ranging from 1%‐7% of all chondroblastomas . However, when chondroblastomas involve the craniofacial region, they have been reported to occur commonly in the temporal bone out of various sites, including the mandible, temporomandibular joint, and maxilla . Except for a limited number of radiologic case reports, previous studies on temporal bone chondroblastoma were mainly focused on the clinical and pathologic features; the imaging features were not the major concern and were often ambiguously described .…”

“…1,2 However, when chondroblastomas involve the craniofacial region, they have been reported to occur commonly in the temporal bone out of various sites, including the mandible, temporomandibular joint, and maxilla. 2,4,5 Except for a limited number of radiologic case reports, [6][7][8][9][10][11] previous studies on temporal bone chondroblastoma were mainly focused on the clinical and pathologic features; the imaging features were not the major concern and were often ambiguously described. [12][13][14][15] Although there have been a few radiologic reports about chondroblastomas that did not discriminate based on location, they lack imaging details for differentiating chondroblastoma from other masses in the temporal bone region.…”