Archives of the AFIP -- RadioGraphics 1996; 16: 1131-1158

Figure 11: Chordoma of the lower sacrum in a 48-year-old man with rectal discomfort. Panel A Lateral radiograph shows destruction of the distal sacrum and coccyx with calcification (arrow). Panel B CT scan also demonstrates the bone destruction and a soft-tissue mass (arrowheads) containing calcifications (arrow). (C and D) Sagittal T1-weighted Panel C and axial T2-weighted Panel D MR images reveal the expansile sacrococcygeal lesion (arrowheads), which has high signal intensity on d. Panel E As seen in this sagittal section of the gross specimen, the MR imaging appearance correlates with the expansile lesion (arrowheads) and calcification (arrow). The upper sacrum (*) is spared. Panel F Photomicrograph (original magnification, X125; hematoxylin-eosin stain) shows bubbly physaliphorous cells (arrow).

Return to: Primary Malignant Lesions of the Spine