Magnetic resonance imaging of meningiomas: a pictorial review

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Neuroradiology
• Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors

Background:

• Meningiomas are the most frequent non-glial tumors affecting the central nervous system.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features.
• Atypical presentations and mimics can pose diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the typical and atypical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of meningiomas.
• To discuss conditions that mimic meningiomas on MRI.
• To aid in the accurate diagnosis and differentiation of central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

Main Methods:

• Pictorial review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
• Discussion of characteristic and atypical imaging findings.
• Comparison with imaging features of mimickers.

Main Results:

• Characteristic MRI features enable accurate meningioma diagnosis.
• Atypical imaging findings can complicate diagnosis.
• Mimicking neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions require careful evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Standard MRI sequences reliably diagnose most meningiomas but may not differentiate benign from malignant types.
• Advanced techniques like spectroscopy and diffusion tensor imaging may aid in diagnosing malignant meningiomas.
• Recognizing differentiating features is crucial for distinguishing meningiomas from mimics.