CT angiography, fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET, and MRI are the most useful imaging modalities for the assessment and timely diagnosis of suspected intimal sarcomas of the great vessels.
How can imaging modalities be used to accurately diagnose and differentiate intimal sarcomas of the great vessels from common benign entities?
Accurate imaging using CT angiography, PET, and MRI is essential for distinguishing rare intimal sarcomas of the great vessels from common conditions like thromboembolism, enabling timely aggressive therapy.
Intimal sarcomas of the pulmonary artery and aorta are rare entities with a poor prognosis. In many instances, pulmonary artery sarcomas are misinterpreted as acute or chronic pulmonary thromboembolism, whereas aortic intimal sarcomas are often misdiagnosed as protuberant atherosclerotic disease or intimal thrombus. Discernment of intimal sarcomas from these and other common benign entities is essential for the timely initiation of aggressive therapy. The most useful imaging modalities for assessment of a suspected intimal sarcoma include CT angiography, fluorine 18–fluorodeoxyglucose PET, and MRI. The authors discuss the clinical features, current treatment options, characteristic imaging findings, and underlying pathologic features of intimal sarcomas. The authors emphasize imaging discernment of intimal sarcomas and how their differential diagnosis is informed by knowledge of radiologic-pathologic correlation. The most reliable distinguishing imaging features are also emphasized to improve accurate and timely diagnosis. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2021
Ropp et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Intimal sarcomas of the pulmonary artery and aorta. Imaging modalities (CT angiography, FDG PET, and MRI) was evaluated. CT angiography, fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET, and MRI are the most useful imaging modalities for the assessment and timely diagnosis of suspected intimal sarcomas of the great vessels.