[Diagnosis of intramedullary spinal cord ependymomas and astrocytomas using magnetic resonance imaging: analysis of 15 cases].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of intramedullary spinal cord ependymomas(INSE) and astrocytomas.


METHODS
Retrospective analyses of the MRI images were conducted in 15 cases of INSE and 10 cases of astrocytoma.


RESULTS
MRI appearances were similar in the 2 types of neoplasms, both showing enlargement of the involved spinal cord segments, low signal and blurred boundary on T1-weighted imaging, and high signal on T2-weighted imaging. Peritumoral cyst formation were found in 16 patients. Contrast enhancement was homogeneous in 6 cases of ependymomas and 1 of astrocytoma, heterogeneous in 1 astrocytoma case, and no enhancement in 2 astrocytoma cases.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI is helpful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of INSE and astrocytomas.
Lin
Yue-zeng
YZ
Department of CT and MR, 401 Hospital of PLA, Qingdao 266071, China. linyzqd@sina.com
Zhang
Xue-lin
XL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004806:Ependymoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*