MR imaging findings of vertebral involvement in Gorham-Stout disease, generalized lymphatic anomaly, and kaposiform lymphangiomatosis.

PURPOSE: To assess the MR imaging findings of vertebral involvement in Gorham-Stout disease (GSD), generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA), and kaposiform lymphangiomatosis (KLA).

METHODS

Nine patients (three patients with GSD, three with GLA, and three with KLA) who underwent whole-spine MR examinations were included. MR findings of fatty marrow replacement and prolonged T1 and T2 lesions of the vertebrae were retrospectively assessed. Prolonged T1 and T2 lesions were defined as well-defined and round-, oval-, or geographic-shaped areas.

RESULTS

Six patients [one (33%) patient with GSD, two (67%) with GLA, and three (100%) with KLA] showed both fatty marrow replacement and prolonged T1 and T2 lesions. Fatty marrow replacement was seen in the cervical spine of two (33%) patients, thoracic spine of six (100%), lumbar spine of six (100%), and sacral spine of two (33%). Prolonged T1 and T2 lesions were seen in the cervical spine of three (50%) patients, thoracic spine of three (50%), lumbar spine of six (100%), and sacral spine of three (50%).

CONCLUSION

Both fatty marrow replacement and prolonged T1 and T2 lesions of the vertebrae could be observed in GSD, GLA, and KLA. The most commonly affected site was the lumbar spine, followed by the thoracic spine.