[MR images of gliomas]

MR images of 55 gliomas (23 malignant gliomas, 16 Grade I-II astrocytomas, 7 oligodendrogliomas, 5 pontine gliomas, 2 central neurocytomas and 2 ependymomas) were reviewed. Histological diagnosis was obtained in all of these gliomas. Morphologic appearance and signal intensities of each glioma were evaluated on T1 and T2 weighted images. Nearly isointensity areas which correspond to enhanced areas on CT scans were observed in all malignant gliomas, and 19 of 23 malignant gliomas (83%) showed heterogeneous intensities on MR images. On the other hand, 12 of 16 benign astrocytomas (75%), 5 of 7 oligodendrogliomas (71%) and all of 5 pontine gliomas showed homogeneous intensities. All of central neurocytomas and ependymomas were shown as a solid tumor with cysts and heterogeneous intensities. In conclusion, although MR images without Gd-DTPA seemed not to be superior to contrast CT in differentiating malignant gliomas from benign one, it appears significant to know some tissue characteristics on MR images of gliomas in differentiating from the other brain tumors.