Adult cerebellar medulloblastoma: CT and MRI findings in eight cases
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Published on: October 3, 2010
Arnolfo de Carvalho Neto1, Emerson L Gasparetto, Sérgio E Ono
1Serviço de Radiologia, University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil. arnolfo.carvalho@avalon.sul.com.br
Abstract:
Medulloblastoma is a brain tumor of neuroepithelial origin, which represents 15 to 30% of all pediatric brain tumors, and less than 1% of CNS adult neoplasms. We report the imaging findings of 8 adult patients with medulloblastoma. The mean age was 35 years, ranging from 20 to 65 years, and the male:female rate was 3:5. The tumors were predominantly lateral (63%), hyperdense on CT scans (83%), and on the MRI, hypointense on T1 (100%) and hyperintense on T2 (80%) weighted images. It was seen intratumoral necrosis and cysts in six cases and calcifications in three. Hydrocephalus was observed in 5 cases and brain stem invasion in four. The imaging findings of medulloblastomas in adults are different of those in child, and also nonspecific. Although these tumors are uncommon in adults, they must be considered in the differential diagnosis of cerebellar masses in the posterior fossa of this age group.
Insights
Adult medulloblastomas, rare brain tumors, present distinct imaging features compared to pediatric cases. These findings aid in diagnosing posterior fossa masses in adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Radiology
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Neoplasms
Background:
- Medulloblastoma is a neuroepithelial brain tumor, common in children (15-30% of pediatric brain tumors).
- It is rare in adults, accounting for less than 1% of CNS neoplasms in this age group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report and analyze the imaging findings of medulloblastoma in adult patients.
- To compare adult medulloblastoma imaging characteristics with those typically seen in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of imaging findings (CT and MRI) in 8 adult patients diagnosed with medulloblastoma.
- Correlation of imaging features with patient demographics and tumor characteristics.
Main Results:
- The study included 8 adult patients (mean age 35 years, male:female ratio 3:5).
- Tumors were predominantly lateral (63%), hyperdense on CT (83%), hypointense on T1 MRI (100%), and hyperintense on T2 MRI (80%).
- Intratumoral necrosis, cysts, and calcifications were observed in several cases, along with hydrocephalus and brain stem invasion.
Conclusions:
- Imaging findings of adult medulloblastomas differ from pediatric cases and can be nonspecific.
- Medulloblastoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cerebellar and posterior fossa masses in adults.
