Multimodal Imaging of Solitary Fibrous Tumor in the CNS, Head and Neck, and Spine, with Pathologic Correlation

Multimodal Imaging of Solitary Fibrous Tumor in the CNS, Head and Neck, and Spine, with Pathologic Correlation is organized by American Society of Neuroradiology (ASNR).

Description & Learning Objectives:
Solitary fibrous tumor is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm arising from the serosal membranes, dura, and deep soft tissues. A solitary fibrous tumor of the CNS, head, neck, and spine can be challenging to diagnose on imaging. Preoperative consideration of a solitary fibrous tumor is critical, especially in the setting of a high-grade solitary fibrous tumor, which has a high recurrence rate and metastatic potential. This review highlights multimodal imaging features of solitary fibrous tumors, including CT, MR imaging (SWI, MRA, MRS, DWI, and perfusion), FDG PET, and catheter-directed angiography. Radiologic pathologic correlations are also provided. The management of solitary fibrous tumor is a team effort orchestrated with surgery, radiation oncology, and neurointerventional and diagnostic radiology. For high-grade solitary fibrous tumors, preoperative tumor embolization followed by surgical resection and adjuvant radiation therapy improves patient outcomes. Additional whole-body staging and follow-up MR imaging are important to evaluate recurrence or distal metastasis.

Upon completion of this activity, participants will gain strategies to recognize the multimodal imaging appearance of solitary fibrous tumor in the CNS, head and neck, and spine.