MR imaging of intramedullary subependymoma / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

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.