1 research outputs found
Neurotized Free Muscle Flaps can Produce MRI Changes Mimicking Tumour Recurrence
Soft tissue sarcomas are investigated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) both for initial staging and follow-up. We
describe the presence of increased signal on T2-weighted images caused by a neurotized muscle flap following reconstructive
surgery. This raised concern about possible sarcoma recurrence that was not clinically evident. On post-operative imaging
of sarcomas the presence of recurrent tumour is indicated by a mass and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images.
However, high signal changes in skeletal muscle on T2-weighted images are not specific. In this case, the free functioning
muscle transfer with neurotization of the flap mimicked recurrence on MR scan. High signal intensity on T2-weighted
images in muscle is an indication of either a physiological change or a pathological condition and must be taken in
context of the clinical picture