Three cases of a peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor diagnosed using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging

The present study describes the findings from three cases of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) diagnosed using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patients were all diagnosed with PNETs of the peripheral central nervous system. All the lesions were soft-tissue masses with cystic degeneration. The CT images revealed that the lesions were large and inhomogeneous, with unclear borders and cystic degeneration. The surrounding tissues and structures were compressed against each other. Following the enhancement of the CT, the solid components of the tumors were enhanced, whereas the cystic components did not show enhancement. Following the enhanced MRI, irregular enhancement was noted in the solid components and the cystic and solid masses showed unclear borders. The surrounding tissues were compressed. The solid components of the tumors were enhanced, whereas the cystic components showed no enhancement. Based on these observations, PNETs were diagnosed. Thus, a CT or MRI is mandatory for the precise diagnosis of a peripheral PNET.