Diffusion-weighted MR imaging and pathologic findings in adult cerebellar medulloblastoma

J Neuroradiol. 2004 Jun;31(3):234-7. doi: 10.1016/s0150-9861(04)97000-9.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES, MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors present the diffusion-weighted MR imaging and pathologic findings in two adult patients with cerebellar medulloblastoma.

Results: Both presented with a vermian mass of the posterior fossa with low signal on SE T1 weighted images, and moderate enhancement of the mass after gadolinium injection. The tumors were of high intensity on diffusion-weighted images with low ADC value. The ADC values (x10(-3) mm2/s) were respectively 0.60 +/- 0.06 and 0.59+/-0.11 (tumor), and 0.65 +/- 0.04 and 0.67 +/- 0.07 (cerebellar white matter). Tumors were highly cellular and composed of densely packed small round cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and scanty cytoplasm.

Conclusion: diffusion-weighted MR imaging may be useful for the diagnosis of cerebellar medulloblastoma, due to their high cellularity and high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / surgery
  • Cerebellum / pathology
  • Cerebellum / surgery
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Female
  • Gadolinium
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement
  • Medulloblastoma / diagnosis*
  • Medulloblastoma / pathology
  • Medulloblastoma / surgery
  • Mitosis / physiology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium