Quantitative diffusion magnetic resonance imaging of intraspinal epidermoid cyst

We report a case of spinal epidermoid cyst which was diagnosed by fast fluid- attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) and echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging in addition to conventional MR techniques. We measured the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). The mean ADC was 0.00114 mm2/s. On echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging, significant diffusion restriction was noted. On fast fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging the mean signal intensity of the tumour was significantly higher than that of cerebrospinal fluid. The patient underwent total surgical excision of the mass. Pathological examination revealed the diagnosis of epidermoid cyst.