Title:CT and MRI Findings of Solitary Extramedullary Plasmacytoma: A
Series of Ten Case Reports and Review of Literature
Volume: 19
Author(s): Hao Ding, Zhi-qing Mo, Hua Xu, You-ming Zhang, Wen-zhao Yuan and Zi-san Zeng*
Affiliation:
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning City, Guangxi 530021, People’s Republic of China
Keywords:
Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma, extramedullary plasmacytoma, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, imaging feature, nasal cavity.
Abstract:
Objective: The study aimed to analyze computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
features of patients with solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma.
Methods: Ten cases with solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma were included in this study. CT and
MRI features of solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma were retrospectively analyzed.
Results: This study included both males (n = 8) and females (n = 2), with a median age of 48 (range
21-72 years old). The organs or anatomical structures involved were nasopharynx (n = 3), orbit (n = 1),
left tentorium (n = 1), nasal cavity and meatus (n = 2), small intestine and mesentery (n = 1), as well as
posterior thoracic wall (n = 2). The median maximum diameter of the tumors was 3.2 cm (range 0.8-
15.2 cm). The tumor shapes were round (n = 7), stripped (n = 1), irregular (n = 1), and nodular (n = 1).
The margin of the tumors was well-defined (n = 7) and partially well-defined (n = 3). There were 3
cases with bone destruction and 1 with a tissue invasion adjacent to the tumor, calcification (n = 1),
and cystic degeneration (n = 2). Enlarged tumoral vessels (n = 4) could also be observed. The CT attenuation
and MR signal intensity of tumors were heterogeneous (n = 4) and homogenous (n = 6). After
the injection of the contrast agent, marked (n = 5), mild (n = 1), mild to moderate (n = 1), and delayed
enhancement (n = 1) could be observed.
Conclusion: A well-defined homogeneous solitary mass occurring at the head and neck with a marked
enhancement, an adjacent tissue invasion, enlarged tumoral vessels, and bone destruction can indicate
the diagnosis of solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma.
