Intracranial meningiomas: high-field MR imaging
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Abstract:
Twenty-five newly diagnosed intracranial meningiomas were evaluated with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 1.5 T, and findings were correlated with those of computed tomography (CT), angiography, and tumor histology. Meningiomas were generally hypointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images relative to cerebral white matter. In comparison with the cortex, they were hypointense or isointense on T1-weighted images and isointense or hyperintense on T2-weighted images. A heterogeneous texture produced by tumor vascularity, calcifications, cystic foci, or an intrinsic speckled or mottled pattern was observed in all but the smallest lesions. An interface between meningioma and brain was uniformly present and consisted of a cerebro-spinal fluid cleft, vascular rim, or dural margin. Large meningiomas were associated with arcuate displacement and compression of adjacent gyri. MR imaging was superior to CT in defining extracerebral tumor location, tumor vascularity, arterial encasement, and venous sinus invasion. No correlation was found between the appearance on MR images and the pathologic classification.
Insights
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging effectively visualizes intracranial meningiomas, showing characteristic signal intensities and textures. MR imaging offers superior detail compared to computed tomography (CT) for assessing tumor extent and invasion.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Neuro-oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Intracranial meningiomas are common primary tumors of the central nervous system.
- Accurate preoperative assessment of meningiomas is crucial for surgical planning and patient management.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a primary modality for evaluating brain tumors, but its specific utility in meningioma characterization requires detailed understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of 1.5 T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in characterizing intracranial meningiomas.
- To correlate MR imaging findings with computed tomography (CT), angiography, and histopathology.
- To determine the advantages of MR imaging over CT in depicting meningioma features.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five patients with newly diagnosed intracranial meningiomas underwent 1.5 T MR imaging.
- MR imaging findings were compared with computed tomography (CT) and angiography results.
- Histopathological data served as the gold standard for tumor classification.
Main Results:
- Meningiomas typically appeared hypointense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2-weighted MR images relative to white matter.
- Heterogeneous tumor texture was common, reflecting vascularity, calcifications, or cystic changes.
- MR imaging demonstrated superiority over CT in defining extracerebral tumor location, vascularity, arterial encasement, and venous sinus invasion.
Conclusions:
- 1.5 T MR imaging provides detailed characterization of intracranial meningiomas, including their relationship with adjacent structures.
- MR imaging offers significant advantages over CT for assessing tumor extent and invasion.
- No direct correlation was observed between MR imaging appearance and specific pathological classifications of meningiomas.