CT and MRI Diagnosis of Trigeminal Nerve Tumors and Relative Anatomic Analysis / 实用放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the CT and MRI findings of trigeminal nerve tumors and relative anatomic characteristics.Methods CT and MRI findings in 17 cases of trigeminal neuroma proved surgically and pathologically were analysed.Results Of 17 cases,the tumors located in middle and posterior carnial fossa in 8 cases and 5 cases respectively,these tumors appeared as oval or lobulated structure.The tumors localized in transcranial fossa in 4 cases with dumbbell or irregular shape.CT and MRI findings were as following(1)Higher density of tumors in 3,low density in 4,the same density with adjacent graymatter in 2 and cystic low density in 4;(2)Homogeneous and inhomogeneous low signal intensity on T_1WI in 5 and 7 respectively,homogeneous and inhomogeneous high signal intensity on T_2WI in 4 and 8 respectively;(3)Inhomogeneous and homogeneous enhancement in 10 and 7 cases respectively on CT and MRI contrast-enhanced scan;(4)The tumors grew along trigeminal nerve and across the cranial fossa with dumbbel appearance in 4,the root of trigeminal nerve were thickened and connected with the tumors body in 3,enlargement of Meckel's cave in 6;(5) The erosion of petrous bone in 3 cases clear boundary of tumors and without calcificaton or adjacent edema in 15 cases.Conclusion CT and MRI are reliable methods in diagnosing trigeminal neuroma.