[CT evaluation of sacrococcygeal chordoma]

Radiol Med. 1987 Dec;74(6):494-7.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

From June 1985 to September 1986, eight patients affected by sacrococcygeal chordoma were examined by means of conventional radiography and tomography first, and then by high-resolution CT. All patients underwent surgery and an histologic examination of the surgical specimen was carried out. CT always allowed to detect the sacro-coccygeal neoplasm, which looked like a solid non-homogeneous mass; in 50% of cases coarse calcifications were found. CT made it possible to evaluate the growing side of the tumor, its relation with the adjacent anatomical structures-especially the longitudinal extension and the involvement of the sacral hiatus; these findings proved to be very useful in order to choose the most appropriate surgical technique. CT findings also suggested the nature of the tumor but rarely allowed a definitive diagnosis. CT is, at any rate, mandatory in order to evaluate the real extent of the tumor and to plan surgery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chordoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Chordoma / surgery
  • Coccyx* / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sacrum* / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*