sunburst appearance

Imaging A descriptor for the appearance of a layered periosteal reaction, result of tumour extension, mineralization (sclerosis), and formation of dense filiform periosteal spicules in the surrounding tissue perpendicular to the periosteum, classically seen in bone infiltration by typical and parosteal osteosarcomas, as these usually evoke a minimal periosteal reaction. These changes are not pathognomonic and may also be seen in Ewing sarcoma
‘Sunburst’ also refers to irradiating spiculation of the ileal bone around the acetabulum in Voorhoeve syndrome—osteopathia striata
Ophthalmology See Black sunburst pattern

sunburst appearance, effect

calcified streaks which appear on radiographs to radiate from a primary lesion at the surface of a bone. One possible feature of osteogenic sarcoma but can also occur in cases of osteomyelitis.