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Intraspinal primitive neuroectodermal tumor: imaging findings in six cases.
Xiao-Hui Duan1, Xiao-Hua Ban, Bo Liu
1Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 107 Yanjiang Road West, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China.
European Journal of Radiology
|July 2, 2010
Summary
Radiological features of intraspinal primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) were reviewed in six patients. Imaging findings, while not specific, can suggest PNETs in young patients with large, well-defined spinal masses extending beyond the intervertebral foramen.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Radiology
- Spinal Imaging
Background:
- Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are rare central nervous system neoplasms.
- Intraspinal PNETs require accurate radiological characterization for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively review computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in intraspinal primitive neuroectodermal tumors.
- To identify characteristic radiological features of these tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of CT and MRI scans from six patients with pathologically confirmed intraspinal PNETs.
- Assessment of tumor location, morphology, signal intensity, calcification, contrast enhancement, and involvement of surrounding structures.
Main Results:
- Four extradural and two intradural, extramedullary lesions were identified.
- Lesions typically appeared well-defined with heterogeneous signal intensity on T1 and T2 weighted MRI and moderate CT attenuation, showing heterogeneous contrast enhancement.
- Extension through the intervertebral foramen with paraspinal soft tissue mass and vertebral bone involvement were common (seen in four patients each).
Conclusions:
- Imaging findings for intraspinal PNETs are not entirely specific.
- Diagnosis can be suggested by MR imaging showing a large, well-circumscribed intradural, extramedullary, or extradural mass with extraforaminal extension and paraspinal/vertebral invasion, particularly in young patients.