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Intracranial epidermoid tumors. A continuing diagnostic challenge
K P Panagopoulos1, M el-Azouzi, H L Chisholm
1Neurosurgical Service, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass.
Archives of Neurology
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Preoperative diagnosis of benign epidermoid tumors is challenging. Advanced imaging like MRI and CT aids in identifying these intracranial masses, improving diagnostic accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Epidermoid tumors are rare, benign intracranial neoplasms.
- Preoperative diagnosis of epidermoid tumors remains challenging due to their slow growth and varied presentation.
Observation:
- This review analyzes six histologically confirmed cases of epidermoid tumors.
- Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were utilized for evaluation.
- CT scans showed hypodense, extra-axial masses with smooth contours.
- MRI revealed irregularly marginated masses with inhomogeneous density and variable enhancement.
Findings:
- MRI demonstrated characteristic high-signal intensity on proton-weighted images.
- Lesions showed extensive infiltration into cerebrospinal fluid spaces.
- Lack of adjacent edema was noted on MRI.
- Multiplanar MRI effectively delineated the tumor's full extent and relationship to surrounding structures.
Implications:
- CT and MRI are complementary tools for diagnosing intracranial epidermoid tumors.
- Detailed MRI sequences are crucial for understanding tumor morphology and extent.
- Improved preoperative imaging can aid surgical planning and patient management.