Differential diagnosis of T2 hyperintense brainstem lesions: Part 1. Focal lesions.
Brainstem lesions can be classified as focal or diffuse. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most suitable imaging modality for evaluating these lesions. As a rule, focal lesions are not large and have well-defined margins. Causes include tumors, vascular malformations, demyelinating diseases, brain abscesses, hypertrophic olivary degeneration, and dilated Virchow-Robin spaces. Differential diagnoses of these numerous entities mandates a review of magnetic resonance imaging findings in conjunction with epidemiologic aspects, clinical features, and other medical test results.
Guzmán-De-Villoria
Juan A
JA
Department of Radiology/Neuroradiology, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain. jguzman.hgugm@salud.madrid.org
Fernández-García
Pilar
P
Ferreiro-Argüelles
Concepción
C
D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000473:pathology*; D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020785:Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020278:Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004673:Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis