Board Review 2 – Case 13

Neuroradiology board review. This lecture is geared towards the ABR core exam for residents, but it would be useful for review for the ABR certifying exam or certificate of added qualification (CAQ) exam for neuroradiology.

More description and the answer (spoiler!) are seen below the video.

This case shows an aggressive lesion of the upper thoracic spine in a relatively young patient. It appears to be centered in the posterior elements of the upper thoracic spine. There is central osseous matrix formation as well as a surrounding soft tissue mass with adjacent bone destruction. This is causing significant narrowing of the spinal canal.

The diagnosis is: osteosarcoma

In this case, you know you are dealing with an aggressive mass because of the soft tissue component and bone destruction. The differential includes primary bone lesions, metastatic disease, and lymphoma, but because of the new bone formation (osteoid matrix), it suggests osteosarcoma.