MR imaging of non hemorrhagic contusion of corpus callosum (a report of 12 cases) / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To describe MRI findings of 12 cases of non hemorrhagic contusion of corpus callosum. Methods The MR images of 12 patients were reviewed retrospectively. 11 cases were victims of vehicle accident and 1 patient was injured by falling. All patients were examined with precontrast CT and MR imaging within 3 days (8 cases) and 6 to 30 days (4 case). Results The lesions were located at splenium (3 cases) and mainly at body (9 cases). There was no abnormal signs of corpus callosum on CT images. MR study in all 12 cases demonstrated isointense or slight hypointense signal compared with gray matter on T 1WI and obvious hyperintense signal lesions on T 2WI on corpus callosum. There was no hemorrhagic signal or density on MR and CT images at corpus callosum. These contusion lesions were demonstrated nicely on SE or FSE T 2WI images. On FLAIR sequence, these lesions were revealed more clearly for the signal of CSF was suppressed. MR follow up examination in one case four months later, the contusion lesion became malacia with the signal similar to that of CSF. Several other multiple contusion and hemorrhage lesions were detected in ten cases. Conclusion The non hemorrhagic contusion of corpus callosum is a relatively rare species. These lesions can′t be found on CT images, while MRI is the best tool for detecting them. SE or FSE T 2WI is the main sequence for demonstrating. These lesions could be seen more clearly on FLAIR sequence. The isointense or slight hypointense T 1WI signal and hyperintense T 2WI signal of corpus callosum after head injury is the typical MR imaging signs.