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Polka dot sign

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This is the current revision of this page, as edited by Netha Hussain (talk | contribs) at 06:46, 28 December 2024 (Adding short description: "Radiological feature of vertebral hemangioma"). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this version.

Revision as of 06:46, 28 December 2024 by Netha Hussain (talk | contribs) (Adding short description: "Radiological feature of vertebral hemangioma")(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) Radiological feature of vertebral hemangioma

The polka dot sign is a radiological finding most commonly observed on axial computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the spine. It is a hallmark feature of vertebral hemangiomas, a benign vascular tumor of the vertebral body. The sign refers to the appearance of multiple small, dot-like areas of sclerosis or hyperintensity within the vertebral body, resembling a pattern of polka dots.

Pathophysiology

The polka dot sign arises due to the unique structural changes in vertebral hemangiomas. These changes include thickened vertical trabeculae, where the they apepar as small, discrete dots in axial imaging. There is also vascular proliferation and fat deposition that replaces normal bone marrow. This contributes to the mixed-density appearance of the lesion.

Imaging characteristics

The polka dot sign is best seen in CT imaging as multiple small, circular, sclerotic areas are seen within the vertebral body, representing cross-sections of the thickened vertical trabeculae. The background may appear lucent or hypodense due to vascular spaces and fat replacement. The sagittal view may demonstrate the corduroy sign, which represents vertically oriented striations corresponding to the thickened trabeculae.

References

  1. Kim, Da Jung; Shim, Euddeum; Kim, Baek Hyun; Yeom, Suk Keu (1 August 2017). "The "polka-dot" sign". Abdominal Radiology. 42 (8): 2194–2196. doi:10.1007/s00261-017-1109-4. ISSN 2366-0058. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
  2. ^ Persaud, Thara (March 2008). "The Polka-Dot Sign". Radiology. 246 (3): 980–981. doi:10.1148/radiol.2463050903. ISSN 0033-8419. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
  3. Liu, S -Z; Zhou, X; Song, A; Wang, Y -P; Liu, Y (1 March 2020). "The corduroy appearance and the polka dot sign". QJM: An International Journal of Medicine. 113 (3): 222–223. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcz184. ISSN 1460-2725. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
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