CT and MRI findings of the incidental intraosseous lipomatous lesions of the sphenoid bone

Head Neck. 2016 Feb;38(2):E41-4. doi: 10.1002/hed.24116. Epub 2015 Jul 15.

Abstract

Background: Intraosseous lipomatous lesions of the sphenoid bone and skull base are increasingly seen and cause a diagnostic challenge. The purpose of this study was to present the imaging findings of 4 patients with incidentally identified intraosseous lipomatous lesions within the sphenoid bone.

Methods: CT scans and MR images of 4 patients are shown. Macroscopic fat content of the lesions were evaluated by fat-saturated sequences on MRI and by measuring fat density in Hounsfield Units on CT.

Results: The most striking imaging findings of these well-defined lesions were their fat content, preservation of foramina, and absence of cortical destruction.

Conclusion: Intraosseous lipomatous lesions are asymptomatic, fat containing, non-touch lesions that should be recognized to prevent unnecessary further investigation, such as biopsy.

Keywords: CT; MRI; head and neck imaging; intraosseous lipoma; sphenoid bone.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Female
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings
  • Lipoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lipoma / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multidetector Computed Tomography
  • Skull Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Skull Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Sphenoid Bone / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sphenoid Bone / pathology*