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Updated: Aug 22, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Diffusion-weighted MR imaging and pathologic findings in adult cerebellar medulloblastoma
M Rodallec1, M Colombat, A Krainik
1Departement of Radiology, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France.
Unlabelled:
OBJECTIVES, MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors present the diffusion-weighted MR imaging and pathologic findings in two adult patients with cerebellar medulloblastoma.
Results:
Both presented with a vermian mass of the posterior fossa with low signal on SE T1 weighted images, and moderate enhancement of the mass after gadolinium injection. The tumors were of high intensity on diffusion-weighted images with low ADC value. The ADC values (x10(-3) mm2/s) were respectively 0.60 +/- 0.06 and 0.59+/-0.11 (tumor), and 0.65 +/- 0.04 and 0.67 +/- 0.07 (cerebellar white matter). Tumors were highly cellular and composed of densely packed small round cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and scanty cytoplasm.
Conclusion:
diffusion-weighted MR imaging may be useful for the diagnosis of cerebellar medulloblastoma, due to their high cellularity and high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted MRI is valuable for diagnosing cerebellar medulloblastoma. This imaging technique reveals characteristic findings related to the tumor
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Neuropathology
Background:
- Medulloblastoma is a common malignant brain tumor in adults.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on integrating imaging and histopathology.
Observation:
- Two adult patients with cerebellar medulloblastoma were evaluated using diffusion-weighted MRI.
- MRI revealed vermian masses with specific signal characteristics on T1-weighted and post-contrast images.
Findings:
- Tumors exhibited high signal intensity on diffusion-weighted images and low apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values.
- Pathologic examination confirmed high cellularity and a high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio in the tumor cells.
Implications:
- Diffusion-weighted MRI can aid in the diagnosis of cerebellar medulloblastoma.
- The imaging findings correlate with the high cellularity and nuclear characteristics of the tumor.
