[Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance tomographic findings in pilocytic astrocytoma].
OBJECTIVE
In a retrospective study we examined the predilection sites, the CT and MR morphology and the contrast behaviour of intracranial pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) in a large number of patients.


METHODS
The study consists of 47 patients (18 male, 29 female, mean age 10.1 years) with histologically proven PA.


RESULTS
The chief predilection site turned out to be the hypothalamic region (15/47 = 32%). The other regions involved were (in descending order): brain hemispheres 8/47 = 17%; cerebellar vermis 7/47 = 15%, cerebellar hemispheres; thalamic nuclei and pontomedullar region 4/47 = 8.5% each; pineal gland 2/47 = 4%; pons, lamina tecti and optic fascicle 1/47 = 2% each. The PA presented 24/47 = 51% cysts; 7/47 = 15% calcifications; 2/47 = 4% necrosis and 1/47 = 2% perifocal oedema. In three cases (3/47 = 6%) CT and MRI showed no contrast enhancement.


CONCLUSIONS
PA appear in almost all brain regions but there is a clear preference of the hypothalamic region. PA of the hypothalamic region are a special subgroup. They are often associated with neurofibromatosis 1, tend to infiltrate surrounding structures, and to disseminate into the intracranial and spinal subarachnoid space.
Huber
G
G
Institut für Neuroradiologie, Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar.
Glas
B
B
Hermes
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data