PURPOSE: To assess the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics of spinal intramedullary ependymomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images obtained in 25 patients (aged 12-73 years) with proved intramedullary ependymomas were retrospectively reviewed. T1- and T2-weighted images were obtained in all patients. Gadopentetate dimeglumine was intravenously administered in 23 patients; enhanced sagittal and axial T1-weighted spin-echo images were reviewed. RESULTS: All tumors had hyperintense signal on T2-weighted images. In the 23 patients who received contrast material, all tumors became enhanced; enhancement was heterogeneous in 15 patients and homogeneous in eight patients. Twenty tumors had sharply defined, enhanced borders. Nineteen tumors were centrally located in the spinal cord. A hypointense rim on T2-weighted images was noted in five patients. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary ependymomas become enhanced after administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine; the enhanced borders are usually sharply marginated. They are characteristically located centrally in an expanded spinal cord. Hemosiderin is often present at the periphery of cervical ependymomas.
PURPOSE: To assess the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics of spinal intramedullary ependymomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images obtained in 25 patients (aged 12-73 years) with proved intramedullary ependymomas were retrospectively reviewed. T1- and T2-weighted images were obtained in all patients. Gadopentetate dimeglumine was intravenously administered in 23 patients; enhanced sagittal and axial T1-weighted spin-echo images were reviewed. RESULTS: All tumors had hyperintense signal on T2-weighted images. In the 23 patients who received contrast material, all tumors became enhanced; enhancement was heterogeneous in 15 patients and homogeneous in eight patients. Twenty tumors had sharply defined, enhanced borders. Nineteen tumors were centrally located in the spinal cord. A hypointense rim on T2-weighted images was noted in five patients. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary ependymomas become enhanced after administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine; the enhanced borders are usually sharply marginated. They are characteristically located centrally in an expanded spinal cord. Hemosiderin is often present at the periphery of cervical ependymomas.
Authors: Ashok R Asthagiri; Dilys M Parry; John A Butman; H Jeffrey Kim; Ekaterini T Tsilou; Zhengping Zhuang; Russell R Lonser Journal: Lancet Date: 2009-05-22 Impact factor: 79.321
Authors: Carlos A Bagley; Sean Wilson; Karl F Kothbauer; Markus J Bookland; Fred Epstein; George I Jallo Journal: Neurosurg Rev Date: 2009-02-17 Impact factor: 3.042