Primary malignant rhabdoid tumor of the brain: CT and MR findings.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the CT and MR findings of primary malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) of the brain, which is a rare but very aggressive neoplasm in childhood.


METHODS
Retrospectively, we evaluated the CT and MR findings of 5 patients of primary MRT of the brain with a review of clinical records.


RESULTS
The primary MRTs of the brain were large (n = 4) with a tendency to be associated with necrosis, hemorrhage (n = 2) and calcification (n = 2). Solid components of the tumor showed increased attenuation on precontrast CT scan and iso- or slightly hyper-signal intensity on T2-weighted images probably due to hypercellularity. Solid components of the tumor were also well enhanced on contrast-enhanced CT scan (n = 5) and MRI (n = 2). In 1 case with intratumoral bleeding, MR findings were variable on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. Intracranial and intraspinal metastasis were found in 2 cases on preoperative MR studies. Follow-up CT and MR studies showed recurrence of the tumor and/or leptomeningeal metastasis in 3 cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Although CT and MR findings of primary MRT of the brain are nonspecific, a tendency toward large size, calcification and intratumoral bleeding may be attributed to CT and MR findings. The solid components of tumors could present hyperdense on precontrast CT scan and iso- or slightly hyper-signal intensity on T2-weighted MR image. Preoperative and follow-up MR studies are important to detect metastatic foci.
Yoon
C S
CS
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. yooncs58@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
Chuang
S
S
Jay
V
V
D000293:Adolescent; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018335:Rhabdoid Tumor / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed