Spinal pilocytic astrocytoma: MR imaging findings at first presentation and following surgery

M Horger; R Ritz; R Beschorner; M Fenchel; T Nägele; S Danz; U Ernemann

doi:10.1016/j.ejrad.2010.04.024

Spinal pilocytic astrocytoma: MR imaging findings at first presentation and following surgery

Eur J Radiol. 2011 Sep;79(3):389-99. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2010.04.024. Epub 2010 May 15.

Authors

M Horger¹, R Ritz, R Beschorner, M Fenchel, T Nägele, S Danz, U Ernemann

Affiliation

¹ Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany. [email protected]

PMID: 20478675
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2010.04.024

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this article is to describe MR imaging findings of spinal cord pilocytic astrocytomas at first presentation and following neurosurgery and to discuss briefly some of the most common differential diagnoses.

Conclusion: MR imaging findings in medullary pilocytic astrocytomas consist generally of focal or diffuse cord-enlarging masses that are irregularly shaped, accompanied by cystic elements and hydromyelia, present different degrees of contrast enhancement, high water diffusivity and a propensity for the thoracic and cervical cord.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Astrocytoma / diagnosis*
Astrocytoma / surgery
Contrast Media
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
Spinal Cord Neoplasms / diagnosis*
Spinal Cord Neoplasms / surgery

Substances

Contrast Media