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Spinal cord ependymomas: MR imaging features
M J Fine1, I I Kricheff, D Freed
1Department of Radiology, New York University Medical Center, NY 10016, USA.
Purpose:
To assess the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics of spinal intramedullary ependymomas.
Materials And Methods:
MR images obtained in 25 patients (aged 12-73 years) with proved intramedullary ependymomas were retrospectively reviewed. T1- and T2-weighted images were obtained in all patients. Gadopentetate dimeglumine was intravenously administered in 23 patients; enhanced sagittal and axial T1-weighted spin-echo images were reviewed.
Results:
All tumors had hyperintense signal on T2-weighted images. In the 23 patients who received contrast material, all tumors became enhanced; enhancement was heterogeneous in 15 patients and homogeneous in eight patients. Twenty tumors had sharply defined, enhanced borders. Nineteen tumors were centrally located in the spinal cord. A hypointense rim on T2-weighted images was noted in five patients.
Conclusion:
Intramedullary ependymomas become enhanced after administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine; the enhanced borders are usually sharply marginated. They are characteristically located centrally in an expanded spinal cord. Hemosiderin is often present at the periphery of cervical ependymomas.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging reveals that spinal intramedullary ependymomas typically enhance after gadolinium contrast administration. These tumors often present with sharply defined borders and are centrally located within the spinal cord.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Spinal intramedullary ependymomas are tumors arising within the spinal cord.
- Accurate imaging is crucial for diagnosis and surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of spinal intramedullary ependymomas.
- To correlate imaging findings with tumor characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MR images from 25 patients with spinal intramedullary ependymomas.
- Analysis of T1- and T2-weighted images, with and without gadolinium contrast administration.
Main Results:
- All ependymomas showed hyperintense signal on T2-weighted images.
- Post-contrast enhancement was observed in all evaluated tumors, typically with sharply defined borders.
- Tumors were predominantly centrally located within an expanded spinal cord.
Conclusions:
- Spinal intramedullary ependymomas exhibit characteristic enhancement patterns on MR imaging after contrast administration.
- The imaging findings, including location and border definition, aid in diagnosis.
- Presence of hemosiderin may be noted, particularly in cervical ependymomas.