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Intracranial subependymomas: CT and MR imaging features in 24 cases
M V Chiechi1, J G Smirniotopoulos, R V Jones
1Department of Radiologic Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC 20306-6000, USA.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Subependymomas in symptomatic adults present differently on CT and MR imaging based on location. Fourth ventricular tumors often show calcification and heterogeneous enhancement, unlike lateral ventricular tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Neuro-oncology
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Intracranial subependymomas are benign gliomas typically found incidentally in elderly men.
- Traditionally considered asymptomatic, this study investigates symptomatic cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate CT and MR imaging features of subependymomas in the fourth and lateral ventricles in symptomatic patients.
- To correlate imaging findings with tumor location.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 24 pathologically proven intracranial subependymomas in symptomatic patients.
- Analysis of CT and MR imaging characteristics including size, shape, location, hydrocephalus, calcification, density, signal, and enhancement patterns.
Main Results:
- Subependymomas occurred in symptomatic middle-aged adults, with 18/24 tumors measuring ≥3 cm.
- Fourth ventricular subependymomas (10/24) commonly showed calcification and heterogeneous contrast enhancement.
- Lateral ventricular subependymomas (14/24) typically lacked calcification and showed minimal or no contrast enhancement, often with CSF-like signal foci.
Conclusions:
- CT and MR imaging findings of intracranial subependymomas vary significantly based on ventricular location.
- Calcification and heterogeneous enhancement suggest a fourth ventricular origin.
- Lack of calcification and minimal enhancement are indicative of lateral ventricular subependymomas.