Primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the chest wall (Askin tumors): CT and MR findings.

Abstract

The described radiologic features of Askin tumors may be useful in deciding when to include this entity in the differential diagnosis. Areas of hemorrhage and necrosis in the large tumors are responsible for their heterogeneous appearance on CT scans and MR images. CT scans and MR images are complementary for determining the extent of disease. MR imaging is informative for determining invasion of chest wall muscle, whereas CT scanning is preferred for detecting small pulmonary metastases. Neither technique is adequate for predicting invasion of adjacent lung.