[Normal and abnormal meningeal enhancement: MRI features]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Context:

• The meninges and meningeal spaces are crucial anatomical structures surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• Understanding normal imaging characteristics is essential for diagnosing pathological conditions.
• Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a primary modality for evaluating these structures.

Purpose:

• To describe normal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of the meninges and meningeal spaces.
• To outline MR imaging findings associated with tumoral and nontumoral diseases affecting the meninges.
• To correlate dural or pial enhancement patterns with specific pathologies.

Summary:

• Normal imaging of the meninges and meningeal spaces is detailed.
• MR imaging findings in various tumoral and nontumoral diseases are presented.
• Dural and/or pial enhancement on MR imaging can be indicative of tumoral, infectious, or granulomatous conditions.

Impact:

• Provides a reference for radiologists and clinicians interpreting meningeal imaging.
• Aids in the differential diagnosis of enhancing lesions within the meninges.
• Contributes to the accurate identification and characterization of meningeal pathologies.