Intracranial epidural giant cell tumor of soft tissue: a case report and literature review

Objective: To investigate the image features and differential diagnosis of giant cell tumor of soft tissue (GCT-ST). Methods: The imaging data including CT and plain and enhanced MRI of a case with pathologically confirmed GCT-ST originated from the intracranial epidural soft tissue was retrospectively analyzed and the literatures were reviewed. Results: CT showed a polycystic hypodense mass with intra-hyperdense septa in the left temporal area. The left squamous part of temporal bone that was adjacent to the lesion was thinned and rough. MRI showed a polycystic mass in the left temporal area with hypointensity on T₁WI, hyperintensity on T₂WI, and isointensity on T₂-FLAIR. The septa showed hypointensity on T₂-FLAIR. The septa and lesion capsule were enhanced after administration of contrast medium. Conclusions: Intracranial epidural GCT-ST is rare, clinical and imaging findings are non-specific. The diagnosis requires histopathological examination. (authors)