Abstract：Objective: Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors(PNETs) tend to show a highly various heterogeneous features with an apparent areas of cystic degeneration, necrosis and hemorrhage which are different from medulloblastoma. The purpose of this study was to investigate imaging features of supratentorial PNETs. Methods: Clinical data, CT and MRI findings of 13 patients with PNETs were retrospectively analyzed. Results: CT and MR imaging demonstrated cystic and solid masses in 11 patients and cystic in 2 cases. Four tumors were located in the frontal lobes, 3 in the parietal lobes, 2 in the temporal lobes, 2 in the basal ganglion regions, 1 in the frontal and parietal lobes, and 1 in the occipital lobe. Imaging features were: ①Mass lesion with large cystic or necrotic changes in 11 cases, the solid components of tumors were increased or decreased density when compared to surrounding normal brain tissue. ②Mass with large central necrosis in 2 cases, the cystic wall of tumor was isodense. Punctate calcifications were seen in 1 case. In all patients, the solid components of tumors were isointense on T1WI and mild hyperintense on T2WI. Solid components of tumors were enhanced intensely. Of 13 patients, 8 had little peritumoral edema and 5 without peritumoral edema. Conclusion: Supratentorial PNETs has a more variable radiographic manifestations in children that characterized by: usually consist of solid and cystic components or only cystic, and solid portions usually show high density on CT, and iso-intense on T1WI and slight hyperintense on T2WI.
2006, Vol. 17 
