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MRI findings in 32 consecutive lipomas using conventional and advanced sequences
R Bakshi1, Z A Shaikh, S Kamran
1Department of Neurology, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, USA.
Summary
Intracranial lipomas are benign brain lesions. Differentiating them requires understanding their appearance on various MRI sequences, as some techniques may obscure characteristic chemical shift artifacts.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Intracranial lipomas are rare, benign tumors.
- Accurate differentiation from other lesions is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the imaging characteristics of intracranial lipomas on different MRI sequences.
- To compare conventional spin-echo (CSE) and fast spin-echo (FSE) techniques for lipoma detection.
Main Methods:
- Review of 32 intracranial lipomas in 30 patients.
- Analysis of images acquired using CSE T1WI, PDWI, T2WI, FSE T2WI, and FSE FLAIR sequences.
- Evaluation of chemical shift artifact (CSA) presence and location.
Main Results:
- Lipomas were hyperintense on CSE T1WI and FLAIR.
- Appearance varied on CSE PDWI and T2WI; isointense to hyperintense on FSE T2WI.
- CSA was typically seen on CSE PDWI/T2WI but absent on FSE sequences.
- One case of intracranial hypotension associated with a convexity lipoma was noted.
Conclusions:
- Lipoma appearance differs significantly between CSE and FSE T2WI.
- FSE sequences may mimic other pathologies like subacute hematomas.
- Specific MRI sequences (CSE T1WI, PDWI, T2WI) or fat saturation may be necessary for accurate exclusion of lipomas.