Gingko Leaf Sign: A Classical Imaging Finding in Spinal Meningiomas.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Distinguishing spinal meningiomas from spinal nerve sheath tumors is crucial for surgical planning.
• Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a primary diagnostic tool for spinal tumors.
• Several imaging features are commonly used to differentiate these tumor types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review established MR imaging features for differentiating spinal meningiomas and spinal nerve sheath tumors.
• To highlight a rarely described MR imaging finding, the "Gingko-Leaf" sign, in the context of spinal tumors.

Main Methods:

• Review of established diagnostic criteria for spinal meningiomas and spinal nerve sheath tumors on MR imaging.
• Description and illustration of the "Gingko-Leaf" sign, a finding related to the stretched denticulate ligament.

Main Results:

• Common MR imaging features differentiating these tumors include the "dural tail sign", T2 hypointensity, calcifications, lack of extraspinal extension, and absence of cystic changes.
• The "Gingko-Leaf" sign, caused by the stretched denticulate ligament, is a rarely described but potentially useful finding.

Conclusions:

• Established MR imaging features are valuable for differentiating spinal meningiomas and spinal nerve sheath tumors.
• The "Gingko-Leaf" sign represents a novel imaging finding that may aid in the diagnosis of spinal tumors.