Objective: To investigate the value of MR imaging in the diagnosis of benign sacrococcygeal teratomas of the infants.
Methods: MR imaging of benign sacrococcygeal teratomas in 6 cases proved by surgery and pathology was retrospectively reviewed. In all patients, a fast imaging sequence, fast spin echo sequence was employed, together with short time inversion recovery sequence and contrast enhancement scanning by intravenous injection of Gd-DTPA.
Results: There were 6 benign sacrococcygeal teratomas, which were heterogeneous masses and arose from the distal sacrococcygeal region in the pelvis. The MR imaging appearances of the benign sacrococcygeal teratomas were characteristic, T1- and T2-weighted images demonstrated a large mass containing round, well-defined areas of varying signal intensity representing its cystic, solid, and sometimes fat, calcification within the lesions.
Conclusion: MR imaging provides definitive information of benign sacrococcygeal teratomas and clearly shows both extra-and intra-pelvic components, and even better anatomic details, which facilitates the surgical planning adequately.