Hemophilic pseudotumor: Spectrum of MR findings

Abstract

Objective. To determine the MR imaging appearance of hemophilic pseudotumor (HP) and its clinical implications. Design and patients. Five hemophilic patients (aged 35-77 years) with 12 HPs in various anatomic locations were included in this study. The MR images were retrospectively evaluated for the appearance of the lesions and accompanying abnormalities, as well as their clinical implications. Results and conclusion. MR images of all five patients (12 lesions) showed well-defined masses containing blood clots in various stages of organization surrounded by a fibrous capsule in subcutaneous fat or in intramuscular, interfascial, subperiosteal, and intraosseous locations. Intramuscular HP frequently had mural nodules. This is an almost unique appearance that is somewhat unexpected. MR imaging allowed determination of number, size, and extent of the lesions, evidence of neurovascular involvement, and accompanying musculoskeletal alterations. It is concluded that MR imaging not only is a sensitive and accurate method for detecting and diagnosing HP and providing useful information fur therapeutic decision making, but can also be used to assess results of treatment by allowing evaluation of the evolution of blood products, the size of lesions in regions difficult to access by physical examination, and recurrent bleeding within a chronic lesion.