Dural tail adjacent to acoustic neuroma: MR features
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T J Kutcher1, D C Brown, P K Maurer
1Department of Radiology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001.
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|July 1, 1991
Abstract:
There have been several reports describing the presence of a dural tail on enhanced MR as being specific for or suggestive of meningioma. It has also been stated that it is a specific diagnostic sign in distinguishing meningioma from acoustic neuroma. We report a case of a dural tail in an acoustic neuroma.
Insights
A dural tail on MRI is often linked to meningioma. However, this case report shows a dural tail can also appear in acoustic neuroma, challenging its diagnostic specificity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Neuro-oncology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- The dural tail sign on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is widely considered a characteristic feature of meningioma.
- Previous literature suggests this sign is highly specific for meningioma, aiding in its differentiation from other intracranial tumors like acoustic neuroma.
Observation:
- This report details a rare case where a dural tail was observed in a patient diagnosed with acoustic neuroma.
- The presence of the dural tail was confirmed through enhanced MR imaging.
Findings:
- The acoustic neuroma exhibited a dural tail, a finding previously thought to be specific to meningioma.
- This observation contradicts the established diagnostic criteria that associate dural tails exclusively with meningiomas.
Implications:
- The findings challenge the diagnostic specificity of the dural tail sign in distinguishing meningioma from acoustic neuroma.
- Radiologists should consider acoustic neuroma in the differential diagnosis when a dural tail is present, especially in the cerebellopontine angle.
- Further research may be needed to understand the underlying mechanisms causing dural tail formation in non-meningioma lesions.