The CT and MRI features of benign calvarium and skull base osteoblastoma

Abstract

Abstract Objective We retrospectively reviewed the CT and MRI features of patients with benign osteoblastoma in the calvarium and skull base (CSBOB). Methods Nine cases of pathologically confirmed benign CSBOB were analysed retrospectively. The patients had undergone CT and/or MRI. Tumour location, size, and imaging features were reviewed and recorded. Results The patients included four males and five females with a mean age of 27.0 years (age 14-40 years). The tumours were located in the frontal bone in 3 patients, the occipital bone in 3 patients, and in the parietal bone, sphenoid bone, and skull base in 1 patient each. On CT, the tumours measured 5.1 ± 3.3 (1.8-8.4) cm. Seven tumours were shown to have caused expansile bony destruction with an eggshell appearance and varying degrees of calcification or matrix mineralization. Multiple septa were observed in 5 tumours. Intracranial growth was observed in 5 tumours. On MRI, 7 tumours showed heterogeneous hypo- to isointensity on T1WI. Heterogeneous high signal patterns with low signal rims and septa were observed in 6 tumours on T2WI, and 4 showed a fluid-fluid level. On contrast-enhanced imaging, 6 tumours showed peripheral and septal enhancement, and 2 showed the dural tail sign. Conclusions Benign CSBOB is a rare tumour characterized by expansile bony destruction, septa, a sclerotic rim and calcification or matrix mineralization on CT and MRI. Advances in knowledge The findings from this study contribute to a better understanding of benign CSBOB and provide valuable imaging features that can aid in its diagnosis and differentiation from other tumours in the calvarium and skull base.