PURPOSE: To investigate the value of MR imaging for preoperative diagnosis of paraganglioma of the cauda equina. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 2 cases of paraganglioma of the cauda equina examined with MR imaging was undertaken. Features assessed included the homogeneity of the lesions, presence or absence of serpiginous flow void and thin hypointense margins. RESULTS: In case 1, the tumor was hyperintense on the postcontrast examination and serpiginous flow void suggested vessels in the upper pole of the tumor. In case 2, the tumor was encapsulated by a thin hypointense margin on both T1- and T2-weighted images, which suggested hemosiderin. CONCLUSION: The MR appearance may be of great value in the preoperative diagnosis of paraganglioma of the cauda equina.
PURPOSE: To investigate the value of MR imaging for preoperative diagnosis of paraganglioma of the cauda equina. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 2 cases of paraganglioma of the cauda equina examined with MR imaging was undertaken. Features assessed included the homogeneity of the lesions, presence or absence of serpiginous flow void and thin hypointense margins. RESULTS: In case 1, the tumor was hyperintense on the postcontrast examination and serpiginous flow void suggested vessels in the upper pole of the tumor. In case 2, the tumor was encapsulated by a thin hypointense margin on both T1- and T2-weighted images, which suggested hemosiderin. CONCLUSION: The MR appearance may be of great value in the preoperative diagnosis of paraganglioma of the cauda equina.