PURPOSE: Analysis of our CT and MRI findings in patients with central neurocytomas in comparison with the relevant literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 5 patients were examined by CT and MRI. A retrospective analysis of the histologically confirmed tumors of our patient group and date from the literature was performed under the following criteria: 1. topography, 2. extent, 3. contrast medium behavior, 4. calcifications, 5. presence of intramural cysts, and 6. vascularization. These properties were evaluated according to a 5 point scale. RESULTS: All tumors originated in the roof of a lateral ventricles with participation of the pellucid septum and extended intraventricularly (5/5), showed cystic components (5/5), and took up contrast medium (5/5). Contrast medium uptake was visible in both CT and MRI. In contrast, only three of the 5 tumors revealed calcifications (3/5) and these were better visible in CT than in MRI, no pathological vessels were detected. Because of its multi-planar representations and better soft-tissue contrast, MRI was superior to CT for the exact determination of origin and position of the tumors. The small cystic, inhomogenous appearance in T2-weighted images was considered to be an especially typical feature. CONCLUSIONS: The typical appearance of central neurocytomas in CT and MRI provides information for the differential diagnosis from other intraventricular tumors. The definitive diagnosis is provided by neuropathological evaluation.
PURPOSE: Analysis of our CT and MRI findings in patients with central neurocytomas in comparison with the relevant literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 5 patients were examined by CT and MRI. A retrospective analysis of the histologically confirmed tumors of our patient group and date from the literature was performed under the following criteria: 1. topography, 2. extent, 3. contrast medium behavior, 4. calcifications, 5. presence of intramural cysts, and 6. vascularization. These properties were evaluated according to a 5 point scale. RESULTS: All tumors originated in the roof of a lateral ventricles with participation of the pellucid septum and extended intraventricularly (5/5), showed cystic components (5/5), and took up contrast medium (5/5). Contrast medium uptake was visible in both CT and MRI. In contrast, only three of the 5 tumors revealed calcifications (3/5) and these were better visible in CT than in MRI, no pathological vessels were detected. Because of its multi-planar representations and better soft-tissue contrast, MRI was superior to CT for the exact determination of origin and position of the tumors. The small cystic, inhomogenous appearance in T2-weighted images was considered to be an especially typical feature. CONCLUSIONS: The typical appearance of central neurocytomas in CT and MRI provides information for the differential diagnosis from other intraventricular tumors. The definitive diagnosis is provided by neuropathological evaluation.