Ependymoma MRI
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Ependymoma Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Ependymoma MRI On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Ependymoma MRI |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis of ependymoma. On MRI brain, ependymoma is characterized by isointense to hypointense on T1-weighted scans, or hyperintense to white matter on T2-weighted MRI.
MRI
Brain
- T1
solid portions of ependymoma typically are isointense to hypointense relative to white matter 7
- T2
hyper intense to white matter more reliable in differentiating tumour margins than non-contrast T1-weighted images (but less reliable than contrast enhanced T1)
- T2* (e.g. SWI)
foci of blooming from haemorrhage or calcification
- T1 C+ (Gd)
enhancement present but heterogeneous enhancement with gadolinium is useful in differentiating tumour from adjacent vasogenic oedema and normal brain parenchyma
- DWI/ADC
restricted diffusion may be seen in solid components especially in anaplastic tumour diffusion should be interpreted with caution in masses with significant haemorrhage or calcification
- MRS
Cho peak elevation according to the cellularity of tumor. NAA peak reduction. Elevated Cho/Cr ratio. Lipid and lactate rise when degeneration occurs.