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| MRI diagnosis of intracranial pilocytic astrocytoma |
| YAN Jing1, CHENG Guan-xun1, ZHU Xiao-jun1, LIU Guo-shun1, YU Kang-hui1, ZHANG Gang2 |
| 1. Imaging Center of Nanfang Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China;2. Department of Radiology, Guangdong Hospital of TCM, Guangzhou 510120, China |
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Abstract Objective: To investigate the MRI features of intracranial pilocytic astrocytoma(PA) to further enhance the understanding of the disease. Methods: The pre-and-post contrast MR images of 18 cases of pathologically confirmed PA were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Of the 18 PA, 9 located in the midline structure(5 in the optic chiasm, 2 in the brainstem, 1 in the hypothalamus and 1 in the fourth ventricle), 5 in the cerebellum and 4 in the cerebral hemisphere. The size of lesions ranged from 2.1cm to 5.9cm. On MRI, 10 cases were predominantly solid mass with cystic degeneration or necrosis or micro-cystic components, all had markedly inhomogeneous enhancement; Eight cases were solid-cystic mass, 4 with intensely enhancing mural nodule and cystic wall, 3 with intensely enhancing mural nodule and non-enhancing cystic wall and 1 with mildly enhancing mural nodule and cystic wall. Thirteen cases showed no obvious peritumoral edema and 5 showed slight peritumoral edema. Conclusion: The MRI appearance of PA has some characteristics. According to the clinical manifestations, it is helpful for accurate preoperative diagnosis. Meanwhile, it also offers significant reference value for treatment.
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Received: 07 December 2010
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Corresponding Authors:
CHENG Guan-xun
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2011, Vol. 22 
