Neoplastic pathology at the crossroads between neck imaging and cardiothoracic imaging

Pulmonary hamartomas are one of the most common benign pulmonary tumors, accounting for up to 3% of all lung neoplasms and 6% of all solitary pulmonary nodules [2, 3]. The majority are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on routine imaging. Hamartomas are slow growing and are heterogeneous both histologically and radiologically, containing cartilage, fat, muscle, fibroblastic tissue, and/or myxomatous tissue [4]. The majority are located within the periphery of the lung and are < 4 cm in diameter, but can measure up to 10 cm. CT is the imaging modality of choice to identify the fat and calcifications classically present. The visualization of intrinsic fat, measuring between − 40 and − 120 Hounsfield units (HU) in a slow growing/non-growing nodule is pathognomonic of a hamartoma (Fig. 1). The lesion typically is well-circumscribed with smooth or gently lobulated borders and can heterogeneously enhance [3]. Some hamartomas will demonstrate classic clumps of popcorn-like calcification [5]. Occasionally, larger lesions will demonstrate low grade uptake on 2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/CT imaging [3].

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a chronic disease occurring in both children and adults of viral etiology secondary to mucosal human papilloma virus (HPV) (types 6 and 11) infection. The condition is characterized by proliferation of multiple squamous papillomas arising from the respiratory epithelium, with the lesions more commonly found in the larynx as compared to the tracheobronchial tree [6]. CT is the imaging modality of choice to evaluate these lesions, with the lesions presenting as a solid or cavitary wart-like lesion arising from the surface of the airway [6] (Fig. 2). Luminal narrowing of the airway can lead to atelectasis, bronchiectasis, and mucous plugging [7] (Fig. 2b). Small thin-walled cysts with adjacent nodules may be present in the pulmonary parenchyma, typically measuring between 2–3 mm in size. Malignant degeneration into squamous cell carcinoma should be considered if a lesion demonstrates rapid growth, with particular attention to the nodular component of a predominantly cystic lesion.

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the mesothelial cells and is the most common primary pleural malignancy and second most common overall pleural malignancy after metastasis. It is strongly associated to prior asbestos exposure and has a higher incidence in men (ages 50–70 years old). Mesothelioma has a poor prognosis due to its aggressive nature. Patients commonly present with non-pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea. On radiographs, a unilateral pleural effusion is commonly seen and may be the only finding. Pleural-based thickening or masses can be seen in 45–60% of cases [8]. Chest CT is the imaging modality of choice to evaluate mesothelioma, showing the size of the tumor, associated lymphadenopathy, and local invasion or extra-thoracic spread if present [9]. The pleural thickening can be nodular or smooth in configuration, and mesothelioma should be suspected if the pleural thickening is greater than 1 cm (Fig. 3a). Calcifications related to asbestos disease can be seen in 20% of mesothelioma cases and if located in the tumor, it typically represents engulfment of a previously present pleural plaque and not necessarily intrinsic calcification of the tumor [8]. MRI is not routinely used for evaluation but can provide more precise staging information in certain circumstances, with a higher sensitivity than CT in detecting invasion of the chest wall, mediastinum, and diaphragm [9]. FDG-PET/CT is used as an adjunctive study both for staging and diagnosis, and the tumor is avidly hypermetabolic (Fig. 3b). This modality can be used to plan image-guided and surgical biopsies, as well as evaluating treatment response. In patients who have undergone talc pleurodesis as treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma, the treated areas will be FDG avid which makes the differentiation between post-treatment changes and disease progression difficult on PET imaging [10]. Because of this, MRI is often the preferred modality to follow for disease progression in these patients.

Lymphoma is a malignant lymphoproliferative disorder arising from lymphocytes or lymphoblasts. There are approximately 50 types of lymphoma which are divided based on histopathologic, immunohistochemical, cytogenetic, and molecular analysis [24]. Lymphoma is classically divided into Hodgkin’s (40%) and non-Hodgkin’s (60%) lymphoma. Hodgkin’s lymphoma, characterized by the histologic identification of Reed-Sternberg cells, follows a predictable contiguous spread along lymphatic pathways, with limited extra-nodal involvement. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies that have been divided into more than 20 subtypes based on cell of origin (B–T cell precursor), morphologic, and immunologic histology [25]. These tumors can have either contiguous or discontinuous nodal spread and are more likely to have extranodal involvement when compared to Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Patients will classically present with B-type symptoms, including night sweats, fever, and weight loss. Imaging will depend on the location and subtype of the lymphoma and if extranodal involvement is present. CT is useful in evaluating nodal and extranodal involvement, typically presenting with homogenous enlargement of the lymph nodes unless necrosis is present [24, 25] (Fig. 7a, b). FDG-PET/CT is the modality of choice for staging lymphoma, as this modality has greater sensitivity in evaluating the extent of disease and is a fundamental tool for the assessment in treatment response, and now incorporated within the Lugano criteria which assess lymphoma for treatment response [24] (Fig. 7c). Due to its superior soft tissue evaluation, MR can be useful to assess for central nervous system (CNS), vascular, and cardiac involvement. Lesions are commonly homogeneous on T1WI and homogeneous or heterogeneous signal on T2WI due to necrosis.

Metastatic lymph nodes are commonly identified at the level of the thoracic inlet. The pattern of lymphatic flow can help predict the primary malignancy. For example, level II neck nodes typically correspond to a primary site in the pharynx, including tonsils, and level I neck nodes often are associated with the oral cavity [26]. There is a predilection of the primary tumors below the clavicle to metastasize in the deep cervical nodes in the left neck. This is because the thoracic duct (which drains the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis) joins the systemic venous system in the neck at the junction of the left subclavian and internal jugular veins [26]. Metastatic involvement in this node is known as Virchow’s node and should be suspected if an abnormal lymph node is identified in this location (Fig. 8). Suggestive features include enlargement of the lymph node measuring more than 1 cm in short axis, a rounded instead of oval contour, and loss of the normal fatty hilum. On physical exam, this finding is known as Troisier’s sign. Gastric carcinoma is the most common malignancy to spread to this left supraclavicular lymph node [27], however, can be seen with other primary cancers, including tumors of the CNS (glioblastoma multiforme, ependymoma, and oligodendroglioma), breast, lung, esophageal, and genitourinary tract (testicular, cervical, uterine, ovarian, bladder, and prostate). These lymph nodes can be evaluated with multiple modalities including US, MR, and CT, and abnormal lymph nodes may be found incidentally on imaging performed for other reasons. FDG-PET/CT may be utilized to evaluate these metastatic lymph nodes, and to look for the primary site of disease, both of which will show avid FDG uptake.

Schwannoma is a benign slow growing nerve sheath tumor composed of Schwann cell origin. These lesions can originate from any peripheral nerve in the body, with the majority of schwannomas in the head and neck arising from the vagus nerve [28]. The majority of these tumors are sporadic, but 10% will be associated with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), in which multiple schwannomas may develop. CT imaging will show a well-demarcated mass, which is iso-attenuating to muscle prior to contrast administration, after which will demonstrate some degree of enhancement. MR imaging will demonstrate iso-hypointense signal relative to the spinal cord on T1WI and hyperintense signal on T2WI (Fig. 9a). The fascicular sign can be seen on T2WI characterized by low signal intensity in a ring-like pattern [29]. Different patterns of intense enhancement can be seen on post contrast images [28] (Fig. 9b).

Neurofibroma is another benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor which has a strong association with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). This tumor is composed of an unencapsulated proliferation of all nerve elements, and the tumor is intermixed and inseparable from the affected nerve [29]. This tumor can be subdivided into three types: localized, diffuse cutaneous, and plexiform, each with a unique imaging appearance. The modality of choice to evaluate these lesions is MRI, in which the lesion will appear hypointense on T1WI and intermediate to high intensity on T2WI. The target sign may be present, in which the lesion will demonstrate a low central signal from collagen deposition with a hyperintense rim when viewed in the short axis plane. Post contrast, the T2 hypointense region centrally will show some enhancement, and the periphery will remain unenhanced [29] (Fig. 10).

Neurofibromas can undergo malignant degeneration and when this occurs, it is classified as a malignant peripheral neural sheath tumor (MPNST). These tumors typically occur in the deep soft tissues, and the most common sites are the sciatic nerve, brachial plexus, and sacral plexus [30]. These neoplasms account for 5–10% of the soft tissue sarcomas, most common in patients aged 20–50 years [31]. Patients may present with neurologic deficit secondary to impingement of the associated nerves [30]. On MRI, MPNST will appear as an invasive mass that is iso or hyperintense on T1WI and hyperintense on T2WI [31]. Heterogeneity can be present secondary to internal necrosis, hemorrhage, and cellularity [31]. The classic target sign of neurofibromas is absent [31] (Fig. 11a). On CT surveillance imaging, MPNST should be suspected if there is a change in size of a neurofibroma or heterogeneous attenuation is identified [31]. PET imaging will demonstrate heterogeneous hypermetabolism secondary to the presence of necrosis and hemorrhage [31] (Fig. 11 b).

Meningioma is one of the most common primary tumors of the spine, accounting for 25–46% of spinal neoplasms [32]. It is typically a benign tumor of non-glial cell origin that occurs more commonly in women [32, 33]. These lesions can be classified by location or subdivided by intradural/extradural involvement [33]. This is a slow growing tumor which may present with symptoms often related to mass effect, including radicular pain, sensory loss, and paresthesia [32]. The lesion is typically round or ovoid with a broad dural attachment, known as the dural tail. These lesions are difficult to see on non-contrast CT because they are similar in attenuation to the spinal cord; however, post contrast, the meningioma will demonstrate strong homogeneous enhancement making them easier to see. Calcifications can be seen in 1–5% of cases. The imaging modality of choice for these lesions is MRI, in which the meningiomas will appear isointense to the spinal cord on T1WI and have a varied appearance on T2WI ranging from isointense to hyperintense when compared to the spinal cord (Fig. 12). If the meningioma contains calcification, regions of low signal will be noted. Post contrast, imaging will demonstrate diffuse homogenous contrast enhancement, and the dural tail sign can be appreciated showing tapered thickening and enhancement of the dura adjacent to the tumor [32] (Fig. 12).

Fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus is a rare and benign mesenchymal tumor. The lesions are composed of fibrous, vascular, and adipose tissue covered by normal squamous epithelium. This lesion can be subdivided histologically by the types of tissue and it is composed of hamartoma, lipoma, and fibrolipoma [34]. The majority grow in the upper third of the esophagus, most commonly arising at the level of the cricopharyngeus muscle in the cervical esophagus. These intraluminal lesions grow gradually, often becoming large, and can elongate over a period of years and be dragged inferiorly by esophageal peristalsis. Patients may be asymptomatic or present with dysphagia or respiratory symptoms. The imaging study of choice is a fluoroscopic barium esophagram, which typically reveals a smooth, expansile, sausage-shaped mass in the upper to middle third of the esophagus. CT imaging will be dependent on the composition of the polyp, ranging from fat density if it contains a large amount of adipose tissue to heterogeneous attenuation in the setting of abundant fibrovascular tissue [35] (Fig. 13). It is important to note, however, that CT imaging can be limited if the esophageal lumen is not distended, and these lesions can be easily overlooked as they are similar in appearance to the adjacent mucosa [34].

Leiomyoma is the most common submucosal tumor of the esophagus. These lesions contain intersecting bands of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue surrounded by a well-defined capsule. They are usually located at the level of the thoracic esophagus below the level of the aortic arch. While typically asymptomatic, if the lesion is large, patients can present with dysphagia, obstruction, cough, and chest pain. As with esophageal polyp evaluation, the study of choice for evaluation is a barium esophagram. Imaging will demonstrate a smooth rounded submucosal mass, and the sharp division between the tumor and the esophageal lumen creates an abrupt angle on lateral images [36].

On CT, it appears as an ovoid homogeneous mass with a smooth surface within the esophageal wall. Calcifications may be present, which are highly suggestive of the diagnosis [35] (Fig. 14). Diffuse moderate enhancement occurring post contrast and evidence of local invasion should raise the possibility of leiomyosarcoma.

Osteochondroma is a commonly encountered benign tumor of the bone, accounting for 15% of all bone tumors, primarily composed of cortical and medullary bone with an overlying hyaline cap. Any bone that matures from an endochondral ossification can develop an osteochondroma, as these lesions typically arise from a separated portion of the growth plate that continues to grow independently away from the adjacent joint. While these lesions are often asymptomatic and incidentally detected, symptoms when present typically occur secondary to the location of the lesion and the resulting mass effect on adjacent structures, fracture/injury of the lesion, and very rarely secondary to malignant degeneration. While the majority of these lesions occur in the extremities away from the thoracic inlet, these tumors can arise from the posterior spinal elements, scapula, and rib surfaces, especially favoring the costochondral junctions [29]. CT and plain film imaging will demonstrate a lesion that has a medullary cavity that is contiguous with the parent bone, a finding which is easiest to see in lesions arising from the long bones, however, can be difficult to identify in lesions arising from the flat bones (e.g., scapula and spine) (Fig. 16a). MR is the most ideal modality to identify and evaluate the hyaline cap [29]. MR imaging demonstrates both the cortical and medullary continuity, and the non-mineralized hyaline cap will have an intermediate to low signal intensity on T1WI and high signal intensity on T2WI (Fig. 16b). In addition, MR can evaluate for injury/edema of the adjacent bone and soft tissues, as well as mass effect on the adjacent tissues [39]. Malignant degeneration should be suspected in lesions that have a hyaline cartilage cap greater than 1.5 cm in thickness or a growing cap. Nuclear medicine bone scintigraphy directly correlates with the degree of endochondral bone formation, with increased uptake in younger patients. Ultrasound can also be used to obtain accurate measurements of the hyaline cartilage cap thickness if sonographically accessible.

Lipoma is one of the most common benign soft tissue masses encountered clinically. It is composed of homogeneous mature adipose tissue that is typically surrounded by a fibrous capsule. These lesions are often subcutaneous in location, categorized as superficial or deep depending on its position relative to the muscle fascia. Lipomas can also occur within the muscle, bone, pleura, or other structures including the esophagus. While often asymptomatic, the lesions may present as a painless mass, and large lesions can become painful if there is compression of an adjacent nerve [40]. On ultrasound, lipomas have variable echogenicity, typically hyperechoic to isoechoic, with similar appearance to the adjacent subcutaneous fat, and the echogenic capsule is often difficult to identify. Lipomas on CT and MR have a pathognomonic appearance, mirroring the subcutaneous fat. On CT, lipomas are homogenous fat density masses measuring between − 65 and – 120 HU (Fig. 17a). On MRI, these masses will be T1WI and T2WI hyperintense, suppress on fat–saturated images, and have minimal to no enhancement post contrast [41] (Fig. 17b).

Liposarcoma is the malignant equivalent to the benign lipoma, also arising from fatty mesenchymal cells. It is the second most common form of soft tissue sarcoma in adults, accounting for 20–25% of adult soft tissue sarcomas [42]. Symptoms at presentation are often dependent on the size and location of the lesion, extending from asymptomatic, to a painless palpable lump, to vague discomfort. Prognosis is dependent on the subtype of the tumor, ranging from indolent non-metastasizing disease to aggressive lesions with metastasis. These masses can occur anywhere in the body, but are most frequent in the extremities and retroperitoneum. Whereas lipomas are homogenously fatty masses, liposarcoma should be suspected if heterogeneity, enhancement, or prominent soft tissue components are present within a fatty mass. The appearance of liposarcomas also depends on the subtype [29]. Well-differentiated liposarcomas are typically composed of primarily fatty tissue (about 50 to 75%) with bands of thickened septations and/or nodular soft-tissue, which typically enhance post contrast (Fig. 18). An increasing ratio of the soft tissue to fatty component often indicates a more aggressive/higher grade of liposarcoma [29]. Liposarcoma often has an unpredictable growth pattern and infiltrative appearance, making it difficult to assess on follow up imaging.

Ewing Sarcoma is the second most common primary malignant tumor of bone in children and adolescents [43]. While the tumor most commonly affects lower limbs and pelvis, involvement of the upper limbs, spine, and ribs can occur at the level of the thoracic inlet. Patients typically present with nonspecific discomfort, occasionally associated with a palpable mass or swelling. Additional symptoms will be related to the location of the tumor, such as pleuritic pain in chest wall masses and neurologic symptoms in spinal masses. On radiography and CT imaging, Ewing sarcoma shows clearly aggressive features, including lytic bone destruction with a moth-eaten appearance and a wide zone of transition, as well as osseous sclerosis [44] (Fig. 19a). CT imaging will also show the associated soft tissue mass which is typically homogeneous with the same attenuation as the adjacent muscle. Post contrast CT images demonstrates diffuse or peripheral nodular enhancement [44]. MR imaging is the modality of choice to best image the full extent of the tumor. The tumor will have homogeneous intermediate signal on T1WI, heterogeneous intermediate to high signal on T2WI, and heterogeneously enhance post contrast (Fig. 19b). MR can determine the amount of marrow replacement and cortical destruction in the osseous portion of the lesion [44]. FDG-PET/CT is utilized for staging, restaging, and treatment planning, as these tumors show increased metabolic activity with a mean SUV of 5.3 [43] (Fig. 19c).

Parathyroid adenoma is a benign tumor of the parathyroid gland and is the most frequent source of primary hyperparathyroidism. The tumor secretes an abundance of parathyroid hormone (PTH) resulting in elevated calcium levels. Patients complain of osteoporosis (painful bones), renal calculi (stones), peptic ulcers (abdominal groans), fatigue, depression, and mental status changes (moans). On ultrasound, parathyroid adenomas will appear as a small well-circumscribed, ovoid, solid, homogenous, and hypoechoic lesion, typically located posterior and/or inferior to the adjacent thyroid lobe [45] (Fig. 20a). Doppler may show a feeding vessel that first branches peripherally around the gland before entering the adenoma at a pole, creating a characteristic rim of vascularity. Dual–phase technetium (Tc)-99 m sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy can be used to identify adenomas that are not localized by ultrasound, especially those that may be ectopically located, with early images showing uptake in the thyroid gland, and the delayed images demonstrating washout from the thyroid and persistent uptake in the adenoma [46] (Fig. 20b). Multiphasic 4-dimensional CT imaging has superior detection of parathyroid adenomas when compared to ultrasound and sestamibi imaging, including identifying ectopic lesions, and provides a detailed anatomic look at the location of the parathyroid adenoma in relationship to adjacent structures in the neck and mediastinum (Fig. 20c, d). This modality takes advantage of the brisk wash-in and washout enhancement pattern of the parathyroid gland as compared to the surrounding structures, including the adjacent thyroid gland and lymph nodes [45]. On MRI, parathyroid adenomas are isointense to hypointense relative to the surrounding muscle on T1WI and hyperintense on T2WI [45].

Thyroid adenoma is a benign neoplasm of the thyroid gland that is composed of differentiated follicular cells with a surrounding fibrous capsule. Patients are typically asymptomatic; however, a painless palpable nodule is occasionally identified on physical exam. Imaging features will be dependent on the make-up of the gland, as calcification, ossification, necrosis, cystic degeneration, fibrosis, and hemorrhage are often present to a variable degree. On ultrasound, findings that suggest a benign nodule include a predominantly isoechoic, cystic, or mixed (spongiform) appearance (Fig. 21a). On Doppler, adenomas can be avascular or have a primarily peripheral blood vessel that can be seen extending towards the center of the adenoma in what is known as the spoke wheel pattern [47]. Thyroid scintigraphy can be helpful in classifying the nodule based on activity; if hyperfunctioning, it is known as a hot nodule, and if it is non-functioning, it is known as a cold nodule (Fig. 21b). Classifying the nodules helps set the course for additional work up. Thyroid adenomas are often hypo- to isoattenuating and may be calcified on CT imaging. On MRI, these nodules are commonly iso- to hypointense on T1WI and hyperintense on T2WI and can enhance post contrast administration [48]. Because most of these lesions are found incidentally, the ACR has published a consensus for management of incidental thyroid nodules, which gives guidelines about which nodules need further follow up and which do not. They established the 3 tiers that depict the need of further evaluation: (1) high-risk imaging characteristics including a suspicious lymph nodes measuring 1.5 cm short axis, local invasion, and/or PET avid nodule; (2) nodule measuring > 1 cm in a patient younger than 35 years; (3) and nodules > 1.5 cm in a patient older than 35 years of age. Patients that meet any of these criteria should have a dedicated thyroid ultrasound for further evaluation [49]. Another factor that should also be taken into consideration is the patient’s life expectancy, which is based on the patients’ age and comorbidities. If the patient has a low life expectancy and does meet one of the 3 tiers, follow-up imaging is not recommended [49]. The 3 tiers have also been slightly modified depending in what modality the incidental thyroid nodule is found. For CT and MRI, the previously mentioned 3 tiers are applied. For nuclear medicine studies, such as PET, increased uptake of a nodule is very suspicious of malignancy. For this reason, it is recommended that a PET avid lesion in a person with general population risk should have an ultrasound evaluation and an FNA [49, 50]. For lesions incidentally detected on neck ultrasound (not dedicated thyroid imaging), the 3-tier criteria apply. Suspicious features that must be evaluated in these nodules are microcalcification, marked hypoechogenicity, irregular margins, and taller than wide shape in transverse view [49].

Paraganglioma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor arising from the paraganglia, including the paraganglia of the head and neck and the mediastinum. Most of these tumors arise in the fourth and fifth decades of life and clinical presentation is typically dependent on the functionality of the tumor [51]. Functional paragangliomas secrete an excess of catecholamine, with the patient presenting with headache, palpitations, and sweating. Nonfunctioning paragangliomas often present as a slow growing palpable mass or pain related to local growth. Head and neck paragangliomas are typically parasympathetic in origin and non-secretory, including those that arise from the vagus nerve and glossopharyngeal nerve. Thoracic/mediastinal paragangliomas can be parasympathetic in origin (if they arise in the anterior mediastinum) or sympathetic (if it arises from the posterior mediastinum) [51]. This tumor appears as a well-defined soft tissue mass located along the distribution of a nerve (Fig. 22a, b). On CT imaging, the lesion will avidly enhance post contrast and demonstrate delayed washout due to the increased vascularity. MRI is the reference exam for the evaluation of paragangliomas. On T1W1, the lesion is solid and isointense, and T2WI demonstrates the classic salt and pepper appearance: the “pepper” appearance is due to the low signal flow voids from the high flow vessels within the lesion, and the “salt” corresponding to the high intensity signal due to areas of hemorrhage [51] (Fig. 22c). On post contrast images, there is intense enhancement, which may be homogenous or heterogeneous depending on the presence of necrotic tissue [52]. Nuclear medicine imaging can be used to target the tumor-specific catecholamine production, such as an Octreoscan [52].

There are four major subtypes of primary thyroid carcinoma: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. The most common subtype is papillary thyroid cancer, accounting for 70–75% of primary thyroid cancers [53]. Patients typically present with a palpable mass in the neck base at the level of the thyroid gland, and local lymph node involvement is commonly present on initial evaluation [54]. Nodal metastatic disease is often cavitary with cystic components, thickened walls, septations, mural nodules, and punctate calcifications. Ultrasound will show an irregular mass of the thyroid gland, typically located in the subcapsular region, typically with internal vascularity. Small echogenic foci are commonly present, correlating with microcalcifications [53]. CT and MR imaging are useful to demonstrate the extrathyroidal extension of the tumor and can determine the full extent of large thyroid cancers, including identification of abnormal lymph nodes for staging purposes (Fig. 23a, b). On MR imaging, the cystic components will demonstrate fluid signal, and the solid components will be hypointense to muscle on T1WI and variable signal on T2WI [55]. The lesions are often FDG-PET/CT avid and are a common incidental finding on PET imaging (Fig. 23c). Thyroid cancer has a higher SUV compared to benign thyroid lesions; however, there is an overlap and for this reason, further evaluation of these lesions is needed typically with ultrasound and biopsy [55]. Nuclear medicine ¹³¹I/¹²³I whole body scan can be used to detect residual cancer in the resection site and distant metastasis [55].

Intraosseous venous vascular malformations, formerly called hemangiomas, are commonly and incidentally encountered lesions of the vertebral bodies [56]. The lesion is discussed here due to its former name implicating it as a neoplasm. Histologically, the lesion contains multiple small vessels scattered among the trabecula of bone and may also contain elements of fat, smooth muscle, and fibrous tissue which can make the lesion expansile [57]. While most commonly asymptomatic, symptoms if present are often related to mass effect (due to extension into the spinal canal or neural foramen), with patient’s presenting with pain, myelopathy, and radiculopathy [57]. Interestingly, pregnancy can contribute to the development of aggressive or symptomatic lesions, likely due to hormone stimulation. On CT and radiographs, intraosseous venous vascular malformations have thickened vertical trabeculations in a background of fatty tissue, described as the corduroy sign on coronal and sagittal imaging and a polka-dot appearance on axial imaging [56, 57]  (Fig 24a, b). On MRI, these lesions are typically hyperintense on T1WI due to fat content and have hyperintense signal on T2WI; fat-saturated images can help to confirm the presence of fat. The lesions will enhance with contrast on CT and MRI [57] (Fig. 24c).