Radiological features of central giant cell granuloma: comparative study of 7 cases and literature review

OBJECTIVE: To review and analyze the clinical and imaging features of central giant cell granuloma patients and to review the relevant literatures for the diagnosis and clinical manifestation of central giant cell granuloma. METHODS: Seven cases of central giant cell granuloma were retrospectively selected for the study, all of which were confirmed by pathology and had relevant imaging investigations. All seven cases had undergone CT scan, three cases had undergone MRI scan. Detailed clinical features were compared along with the imaging findings and analysis was done on the basis of their presentation and imaging features. RESULTS: The clinical features, radiologic features were varied according to the site of the lesion. CT features include unevenly dense expansile mass causing bone destruction and cortical thinning. While MRI features with low to iso-intensity in T(1)- and T(2) weighted images. There may be presence of cystic degeneration, hemorrhage or hemosiderin deposits or osteoid formation, which can cause T1 and T2 signal changes. On contrast study, the lesion doesn’t enhance but periphery may enhance mildly. CONCLUSION: Unevenly dense expansile mass with bone destruction and cortical thinning with low to iso-intensity in T(1) weighted and T(2) weighted images and mildly enhance peripherally, Central giant cell granuloma should be considered.