Abstract：Objective: To investigate the value of imaging in the diagnosis and staging of chordomas by analyzing their image characteristics and stages. Methods: Retrospectively reviewed the MRI and CT appearances of 21 lesions in 20 patients with initial diagnosis of chordoma, and imaging staging before operation, followed the local recurrence after operation. Results: Seventeen(17/21, 81.0%) chordomas located in typical region(skull base and vertebral), 4(4/21, 19.0%) chordomas were in rare location. In CT 19(19/21, 90.5%) chordomas showed expansive osteolytic bone destruction, 15(15/21, 71.4%) chordomas showed bone destruction with surrounding soft tissue masses. On MRI T2WI 90.5% chordomas showed honeycomb appearance. High local recurrence rate associated with advanced stage. Conclusions: Most chordomas with their location and margins could be correctly diagnosed pre-operation by MRI characteristics. MRI appearances also could provide objective basis for surgical resection and other therapy. Some prediction about local recurrence and prognosis may be taken on the basis of imaging staging.
2010, Vol. 21 
