Pediatric choroid plexus neoplasms: MR, CT, and pathologic correlation

Choroid plexus papillomas are rare, constituting approximately 0.5% of all intracranial neoplasms. Four benign choroid plexus papillomas and one choroid plexus carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed in patients aged 4-20 months who had been examined with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with a field strength of 0.5 T or 1.0 T and with computed tomography (CT) before and after the administration of contrast material. In general, the tumors were of intermediate signal intensity on T1-weighted images and of either intermediate or increased signal intensity (T2 lengthening) with T2 weighting. All demonstrated variable areas of internal signal void interpreted as signifying regional blood flow, calcification, or old hemorrhage. CT findings included relatively uniform contrast enhancement. Microscopic pathologic changes of the benign lesions mimicked the appearance of normal choroid plexus and confirmed the highly vascular nature of these tumors. MR imaging, with its high-resolution multiplanar techniques, offers direct visualization of these lesions in relation to normal anatomy and better discrimination and confirmation of their intraventricular location, facilitating surgery and postoperative follow-up.