Radiology of giant cell tumors of bone: computed tomography, arthro-tomography, and scintigraphy

Radiologic studies of 50 giant cell tumors of bone in 48 patients were useful in assessing the anatomic extent for planning surgical treatment. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) provided the most useful and complete evaluation, including soft tissue extent and relationship to major vessels. Angiography was useful when the extraosseous extent and vascular relationships were not entirely clear on CT. Arthro-tomography was the best way to evaluate tumor invasion through subchondral cortex and articular cartilage. Reactive soft tissues, with edema and hyperemia, were difficult to distinguish from tumor tissue on CT and angiograms. Bone scintigrams often showed intense uptake beyond the true tumor limits.