MR imaging of spinal neurinomas with pathological correlation

Eight patients with nine spinal neurinomas were examined with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. We attempted to correlate MR images with the gross and microscopic characteristics of the tumors. On T1-weighted images (T1WIs) all tumors were iso- to slightly hyperintense to CSF, although two comprised hyperintense areas. On the T2-weighted pulse images (T2WIs), available for seven tumors, two tumors were markedly and two relatively hyperintense to CSF. Three tumors exhibited mixed signal intensity. On macroscopic examination, the markedly hyperintense areas on T2WIs corresponded to the cystic portions and relatively hyperintense areas to the solid portions. Areas that were hypointense on T2WIs and isointense or markedly hyperintense on T1WIs corresponded to hemorrhage. On microscopic examination it was impossible to establish a correlation between Antoni A and Antoni B tissue types and features recognized on T1WIs and T2WIs. Gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid enhanced T1WIs were performed in four patients with five tumors. All tumors enhanced, demonstrating the tumor contours and the cystic degeneration within.