RESUMEN
Objective Analysis of MRI image of lateral ventricular subependymomas to improve our recognition of radiology manifestation of the disease. Methods Clinical data and MRI findings of 6 patients with subependymomas proved by surgical pathology, observed from January 2007 to June 2013, were analyzed retrospectively. Results Six patients (4 males and 2 females) presented with headache and dizziness. Among these 6 patients, tumor developed in right lateral ventri-cle in three patients, in left lateral ventricle in 2 patients and in frontal of dual lateral ventricle in one patient. In MRI image, tumors showed iso-intense to hypointense to normal white matter on T1-weighted and DWI images, hyperintense on T2-weighted and FLAIR. Mild or no enhancement was noted in most cases. MRS showed findings consistent with low-grade tu-mor, with a normal choline peak and depressed N-acetyl-aspartate peak. Conclusion Lateral ventricular subependymo-mas have characteristic MRI features and multi-direction images are helpful for diagnosis.
RESUMEN
Objective To delineate the MR imaging features of intramedullary subependymoma. Methods The MR imaging features of 4 cases of pathologically proved intramedullary subependymomas were analyzed retrospectively and correlated with operative reports, and the differential diagnosis was discussed. Results MR appearances of intramedullary subependymoma were as follows: (1) Intramedullary subependymoma often involved the cervical region or the extensive portions of the cervical and thoracic cord in 3 out of 4 cases, mainly affected adults, and was eccentric within the spinal cord. The tumor was in the thoracic-lumbar cord in 1 case. (2) They were heterogeneously hypointense relative to the normal spinal cord on T 1-weighted images and hyperintense on T 2-weighted images, occasionally with hemorrhagic foci (2 cases). (3) No enhancement or minimal enhancement was revealed on T 1-weighted images following Gd-DTPA administration (3 out of 4). Conclusion Intramedullary subependymoma are best delineated by MR imaging. The diagnosis of intramedullary subependymoma should be considered when above findings are confronted.