Cholesterol granuloma - presumed

Case contributed by Ian Bickle
Diagnosis probable

Presentation

56 year-old with vague right post auricular/occipital pain. History of sinus disease.

Patient Data

Gender: Male

Combined sequences both...

mri

Combined sequences both performed within 3 days of each other initial study a routine NC brain

A circumscribed high T1 high T2 lesion is seen at the junction of sigmoid and transverse sinus on the right. It does not attenuate on fat suppressed sequences and no significant enhancement or restricted diffusion is seen.

In view of MRI findings CT...

ct

In view of MRI findings CT mastoids performed

The bone adjacent to the lesion is irregular and it appears to likely have originated form the mastoid. 

Concern following review of...

ct

Concern following review of previous studies led to a CT venogram being performed.

Interestingly the lesion is of fat attenuation on CT. 

Case Discussion

This is a difficult case. Although the lesion is of fat attenuation on all sequences and CT it does not attenuate on fat suppressed sequences, and as such cannot represent a lipoma, but must be 'fatty'. 

The most likely diagnosis is thus an atypical (usually soft tissue attenuation on CT) cholesterol granuloma. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.