Value of CT and MRI imaging features in differential diagnosis of giant cell tumors with prominent aneurysmal bone cysts in the extremities and primary aneurysmal bone cysts

Objective To explore the value of computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging features in differential diagnosis of giant cell tumors with prominent aneurysmal bone cysts (GABCs) in the extremities and primary aneurysmal bone cysts (PABCs). Methods In this study, the CT and MRI imaging features of 20 patients with GABCs in the extremities and 21 patients with PABCs were retrospectively analyzed, and the age and sex of patients were collected. The differences in different indicators between the two groups were compared. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for GABCs and PABCs were calculated based on the age, transverse/longitudinal diameter ratio of the mass, subchondral bone involvement, deep edge lobulation of the lesion, and vascular shadow around the mass. Results There were significant differences in the age and transverse/longitudinal diameter ratio of the mass between the two groups (t=-3.956,-2.985,P<0.05). There were signi-ficant differences in the proportions of subchondral bone involved, deep edge lobulation of the lesion, and vascular shadow around the mass between the two groups (P<0.05). The sensitivity of age, transverse/longitudinal diameter ratio of the mass, subchondral bone involvement, and deep edge lobulation of the lesion in the diagnosis of GABCs was 75.0%, 65.0%, 68.0%, and 80.0%, respectively, and the specificity was 81.0%, 66.7%, 81.3%, and 61.3%, respectively. The sensitivity of vascular shadow around the mass in the diagnosis of PABCs was 52.4%, and the specificity was 95.0%. Conclusion Patient age and CT and MRI imaging features such as subchondral bone involvement, deep edge lobulation of the lesion, transverse/longitudinal diameter ratio of the mass, and vascular shadow around the mass can be used to distinguish GABCs from PABCs.