Imaging features at the time of diagnosis of osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma in children

Abstract

Introduction

Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are the most frequent malignant bone tumours in children. The aim of this study is to characterize clinical and radiological features at presentation of a large cohort of children with these diseases, radiological findings useful to differentiate them and the main prognostic factors.

Material and methods

Retrospective analysis of clinical and imaging findings of 83 children diagnosed and treated of Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma in a paediatric hospital during a period of 10 years.

Results

Both tumours showed aggressive radiological features such as permeative or moth-eaten margins, cortical disruption, discontinuous periosteal reaction, intense contrast uptake, tumoral necrosis and soft-tissue component. They differed in their location, osseous matrix and gender predilection. Osteosarcoma occurred more frequently in the metaphysis of long bones (62%) with a blastic appearance (53%). Ewing sarcoma showed a predilection for male patients (71%), occurred in flat bones (42%) and in the diaphysis of long bones (58%) with a lytic appearance (82%). 29% of children presented with primary metastasis, most frequently located in the lungs. Survival rates were 78% in OS and 76% in Ewing sarcoma. Metastatic disease, aggressive radiological features and low percentage of tumoral necrosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with poor prognosis (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Imaging can confidently diagnose malignant paediatric bone tumours in children and may differentiate Ewing sarcoma from osteosarcoma, based on gender, location and appearance of the neoplasm. Metastatic disease, presence of aggressive radiological features and low percentage of tumoral necrosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with poor prognosis.