Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images
Published on: November 20, 2015
Microcystic Meningiomas: MRI-Pathologic Correlation
Karthik Kulanthaivelu1, Vivek Lanka1, Chitra Chandran1
1Department of Neuroimaging and Interventional Radiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India.
Background And Purpose:
Microcystic meningiomas (MM) are a distinctive, rare subtype of Grade I meningiomas with limited radiological descriptions. We intend to identify unique imaging phenotypes and seek radiopathological correlations.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis of histopathologically proven MM was undertaken. Clinicodemographic profiles, imaging, and histopathological characteristics were recorded. Spearman rank correlations among radiological and pathological attributes were performed.
Results:
Twenty-eight cases were analyzed (mean age = 45.5 years; M:F = 1:1.54; mean volume = 50.1 mL; supratentorial n = 27). Most lesions were markedly T2 hyperintense (higher than peritumoral brain edema-a unique finding) (89.3%) and showed invariable diffusion restriction, severe peritumoral brain edema (edema index >2 in 64.3%), a "storiform" pattern on T2-weighted images (T2WI) (75%), reticular pattern on postcontrast T1 (78.6%)/diffusion-weighted images (DWI) (65.4%), hyperperfusion, T1 hypointensity (84.6%), and absence of blooming on susceptibility-weighted image (80.9%). Storiform/reticular morphology correlated with large cysts on histopathology (ρ = .56; P = .005753). Lesion dimension positively correlated with reticular morphology on imaging (ρ = .59; P = .001173), higher flow voids (ρ = .65; P = .00027), and greater microcystic changes on histopathology (ρ = .51; P = .006778). Peritumoral brain edema was higher for lesions demonstrating greater angiomatous component (ρ = .46; P = .014451).
Conclusions:
We have elucidated varied neuroimaging features and highlighted pathological substrates of crucial imaging findings of MM. MM ought to be considered as an imaging possibility in an extra-axial lesion with a marked hypodensity on noncontrast computed tomography, markedly T2-hyperintense/T1-hypointense signal, and a storiform/reticular pattern on T2W/GdT1w//DWI.
Insights
Microcystic meningiomas (MM) exhibit unique imaging features, including marked T2 hyperintensity and diffusion restriction. Radiopathological correlations reveal associations between imaging patterns and microcystic changes, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Microcystic meningiomas (MM) are rare, distinct Grade I meningiomas.
- Limited radiological descriptions exist for this subtype.
- Understanding their imaging phenotypes is crucial for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify unique imaging phenotypes of microcystic meningiomas.
- Establish radiopathological correlations for MM.
- Improve diagnostic accuracy through imaging analysis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of histopathologically proven MM.
- Recorded clinicodemographic, imaging, and histopathological characteristics.
- Performed Spearman rank correlations between radiological and pathological attributes.
Main Results:
- Analyzed 28 cases (mean age 45.5 years, M:F=1:1.54).
- Key findings: marked T2 hyperintensity, diffusion restriction, severe peritumoral edema, storiform/reticular patterns, T1 hypointensity, absent blooming.
- Correlations found between imaging patterns (storiform/reticular) and histopathological features (large cysts, microcystic changes).
Conclusions:
- Elucidated varied neuroimaging features of MM.
- Highlighted pathological substrates of key imaging findings.
- MM should be considered in extra-axial lesions with specific CT, MRI, and DWI characteristics.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology