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MR imaging of epidermoid cysts
D Tampieri1, D Melanson, R Ethier
1Department of Radiology, Montreal Neurological Hospital, Quebec, Canada.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging reveals characteristic appearances for epidermoid cysts, showing low signal on T1 and high signal on T2 weighted images. MR imaging is superior to CT scans for evaluating these lesions and aiding surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Epidermoid cysts are congenital tumors that can occur both intradiplocically and extradiplocically.
- Accurate diagnosis and characterization are crucial for effective management and surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the MR imaging appearance of epidermoid cysts.
- To compare MR imaging findings with CT findings in patients with epidermoid cysts.
- To determine the utility of MR imaging in surgical planning for epidermoid cysts.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of nine patients with epidermoid cysts, with five pathologically proven cases.
- Evaluation of MR imaging characteristics, including T1-weighted and T2-weighted images.
- Comparison of MR imaging findings with CT scans in six patients.
Main Results:
- Epidermoid cysts demonstrated low-signal intensity on T1-weighted MR images and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images.
- Five cases showed heterogeneous iso- to hyperintense signal on intermediate echo, with a high-signal rim likely representing encased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- CT scans revealed low-density, well-demarcated lesions without contrast enhancement.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is superior to CT for evaluating epidermoid cysts.
- MR imaging provides detailed characterization of epidermoid cysts, aiding in differentiation from other lesions.
- MR imaging is particularly useful for surgical planning due to its ability to delineate cyst boundaries and relationship with surrounding structures.