J Comput Assist Tomogr 2003;27:799-804.
Tateishi U, Hasegawa T, Beppu Y, Satake M, Moriyama N.
OBJECTIVES: To describe computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings and to determine the prognostic significance of radiologic appearances in primary dedifferentiated li-posarcoma of the retroperitoneum.
METHODS: Initial CT and MR imaging studies of 20 pathologically confirmed cases of primary dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the retro-peritoneum were retrospectively reviewed and assessed for correlations with the histopathologic features. CT and MR images were evaluated by 2 radiologists with agreement by consensus, and univari-ate analyses were conducted to evaluate survival with a mean clinical follow-up duration of 47 months (range, 5-114 months).
RESULTS: Tumor invasion was more frequent in the anterior or posterior pararenal originating tumors than in pararenal tumors (P < 0.05). Well-defined nonlipomatous masses juxtaposed with fatty tumors were identified in all cases. Calcification or ossification was seen in 6 patients (30%) on unenhanced CT. Imaging findings including attenuation, signal characteristics, and enhancement patterns of nonlipomatous masses were nonspecific regardless of histologic variances. Recurrent tumors (n = 6) tended to invade surrounding organs. Univariate analysis revealed that calcification or ossification (P < 0.05) and first recurrence with duration of a mean 13 months (P < 0.05) identified by imaging studies had significant impacts on overall survival.
CONCLUSIONS: Calcification or ossification and first recurrence identified by CT and MR imaging studies are significant adverse prognostic factors in primary dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the retroperitoneum.