MRI of intracranial subependymomas.
OBJECTIVE
We report imaging features of two cases of subependymoma, a relatively rare benign intraventricular neoplasm.


METHODS
The first case was a lateral ventricular tumor, which grew to a large size before becoming symptomatic. The second case was a fourth ventricular subependymoma with extensive cisternal spread.


RESULTS
In Case 1, absence of postcontrast enhancement suggested the correct diagnosis. However, in Case 2 heterogeneous enhancement made the diagnosis uncertain. In both cases, pre- and postoperative MRI was superior to other modalities in defining tumor extent and delineating the surrounding anatomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice for studying subependymomas. The diagnosis should be placed among differential considerations for intraventricular tumors.
Silverstein
J E
JE
Department of Radiology, Bridgeport Hospital, CT 06610.
Lenchik
L
L
Stanciu
M G
MG
Shimkin
P M
PM
D000328:Adult; D002551:Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D018315:Glioma, Subependymal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged