Masses and pseudomasses of the hand and wrist: MR findings in 134 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the investigation of palpable masses in the hand or wrist. DESIGN AND PATIENTS. We retrospectively reviewed the MRI examinations and case records of 134 patients referred because of a palpable mass in the hand or wrist. MRI was performed on a 1.0 T magnet using an extremity coil. Intravenous gadolinium-DTPA was injected when considered appropriate.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: MRI demonstrated the cause of the palpable mass in 126 cases (94.02%). Soft tissue neoplasms were found in 34 cases (25.37%). The majority were benign and included giant cell tumours of tendon sheath, lipomas and hemangiomas and had a characteristic appearance. There were three malignant tumours (myxoid liposarcoma, malignant fibroushistiocytoma and rhabdomyosarcoma). Ganglia were found in 36 cases (26.86%) and non-tumour tendon pathology in 31 cases (23.13%). Less common causes included articular diseases (5.97%) and anatomical variants (4.47%). No focal lesion was present in 8 cases (5.97%). In conclusion, MRI is an accurate diagnostic technique in patients who present with a palpable mass of the hand and wrist.