Synovial sarcoma: MR evaluation in 23 patients

The synovial sarcoma is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas. MR is the technique of choice to determine to local extension of malignant soft tissue tumors. To assess the clinical and MR imaging parameters associated with synovial sarcomas that aid in establishing their diagnosis. We review the clinical findings and images of 23 histologically confirmed synovial sarcomas that were studied by MR. Synovial sarcomas usually develop in young adults as soft tissue tumors, preferentially in the deep tissues of an extremity in close proximity to a joint. They are characterized as having a lobulated contour and septa, frequently infiltrating neighboring tissues at some point, and are heterogeneous. The presence of hemorrhage, as well as infiltration of the fascia in subcutaneous tumors, suggests the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma. The development of perilesional edema is not uncommon. Although, logically, the clinical and radiological features of synovial sarcomas can overlap with those of other soft tissue tumors, the findings described here are fairly characteristic of these lesions: thus, when present, they should serve to orient the diagnostic process. (Author) 16 refs