Emphasis on the MR imaging findings of brown tumor: a report of five cases

Abstract

The five patients with brown tumor demonstrated a wide spectrum of MR imaging findings. There are few lesions that are osteolytic on the radiographs and that show a short T2 on MR imaging, such as brown tumor. Multiple cystic or mixed lesions are the expected findings of brown tumors.

Her Aching Bones: Atypical Parathyroid Adenoma

“…Possible causes include metastatic carcinoma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and brown tumors associated with hyperparathyroidism. [1][2][3] The combination of a retrothyroid mass and hyperparathyroidism suggested the existence of a benign or malignant lesion of the parathyroid gland with autonomous parathyroid hormone production. A presumptive diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism and multiple brown tumors due to a functional parathyroid mass was considered.…”

Imaging findings of spinal brown tumors: a rare but important cause of pathologic fracture and spinal cord compression

“…Cystic components have abnormal T2 hyperintensity and may show fluid-fluid levels with T2 shortening related to hemosiderin deposition. 7 Hemosiderin may also be identified with susceptibility-weighted imaging. 1 The administration of contrast will demonstrate early enhancement of solid components and delayed enhancement of both solid components and septae.…”

“…1 The administration of contrast will demonstrate early enhancement of solid components and delayed enhancement of both solid components and septae. 7 In the setting of brown tumor, Tc-99m-MDP radionuclide bone scan will often demonstrate diffusely increased radiotracer uptake throughout the axial and appendicular skeleton. Radiotracer uptake in focal lesions may be intense.…”

Brown tumors of the femur and pelvis secondary to a parathyroid carcinoma: Report of one case

“…The cyst may grow, generate pain or secondary fractures. A MR study revealed that brown tumors may be of three consistencies: solid, cystic or mixed solid and cystic 3 . The majority of brown tumors are secondary to parathyroid adenoma, a smaller proportion secondary to parathyroid primary hyperplasia, and rarely as a cause of carcinoma.…”