Sunburst appearance (bone)

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 27 Jun 2021

Sunburst or sunray appearance describes two separate findings in the bone: a periosteal reaction and a trabeculation pattern. It should not be confused with the sunburst sign of meningioma vascularity. 

Sunburst periosteal reaction

Sunburst periosteal reaction reflects aggressive periostitis. The sunburst appearance occurs when the lesion grows too fast and the periosteum does not have enough time to lay down a new layer and instead the Sharpey's fibers stretch out perpendicular to the bone. 

It is frequently associated with osteosarcoma but can also occur with other aggressive bony lesions:

Sunburst trabeculation

Sunburst or honeycomb trabeculation refers to the typical appearance of an intraosseous hemangioma (typically a low-flow vascular malformation) in which thickened trabeculae adjacent to abnormal vascular channels converge on a central area 4.

See also

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