鼻咽癌放疗后放射性脑干和脊髓损伤的磁共振表现

背景与目的:鼻咽癌(nasopharyngealcarcinoma,NPC)放射治疗后脑干和颈髓放射性损伤的诊断相当重要。磁共振(magneticresonanceimaging,MRI)用于诊断鼻咽癌放疗后放射性脑损伤已有较多报道,但脑干和颈髓放射性损伤的MRI表现文献报道较少。本研究旨在分析鼻咽癌放疗后脑干和颈髓放射性损伤的MRI特征。方法:对60例鼻咽癌患者在放射治疗后6个月至5年内进行了MRI检查,MRI检查序列包括T1-weightedimage(T1WI)、T2-weightedimage(T2WI)、fluidattenuatedinversionrecovery(FLAIR);所有患者均做了MRI增强扫描。结果:6例为颈髓放射性损伤;54例为脑干放射性损伤,其中脑桥20例,桥脑基底部与延髓上段26例,中脑受累3例,延髓5例。病灶在MRI上T1WI表现为等信号和低信号,T2WI上为高信号,增强后病灶无强化者11例(18.3%),强化者49例(81.7%)。强化者有2种强化形式:均匀斑片状强化(21例,42.9%)和不均匀的既有环形又有斑片状的强化(28例,57.1%)。结论:MRI可以清晰地显示脑干和脊髓放射性损伤的病灶,结合病史可以确诊。     

卵巢性索间质肿瘤的影像诊断

目的探讨卵巢性索间质肿瘤的影像诊断价值。方法回顾分析经手术、病理证实的17例卵巢性索间质肿瘤的影像资料并进行分析。结果肿瘤均为单发,边界清楚,密度不均,10例卵泡膜细胞瘤表现为肿瘤信号不均,T2WI呈低信号为主,动态增强后病灶延迟强化。4例颗粒细胞瘤表现为实性肿块内多发囊变,囊间有分隔,多数分隔较厚,动态增强后瘤内实性成分有强化。2例支持间质细胞瘤表现为肿瘤内有多发小囊,动态增强后病灶明显强化。1例硬化性间质瘤表现为肿块边缘明显强化,周边并可见粗大血管。结论卵巢性索间质肿瘤有特征性CT及MR影像表现,且多无恶性病变所示的周围浸润,结合内分泌异常者有助于诊断。     

MRI新技术在脊髓病变中的应用

脊髓常规MRI检查主要包括SE序列的T1WI和T2WI、FLAIR序列及磁共振脊髓成像，近年各种功能性MR新技术在脊髓的应用亦日益普遍。本文扼要介绍了脊髓常规MRI检查。并着重回顾和总结了近年各种新技术在脊髓的临床应用现状和研究进展情况。     

Clinical stage I carcinoma of the uterine cervix value of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in assessing parametrial invasion

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the efficacy of different MR imaging techniques in the evaluation of parametrial tumor invasion in patients with early stage cervical cancer. METHODS: A total of 73 consecutive patients, clinically considered to have invasive tumor (<3 cm in diameter) confined to the cervix, underwent MR imaging studies at 1 T, according to the following protocol: fast spin-echo (FSE) T2-weighted, gadolinium-enhanced SE T1-weighted, and fat-suppressed gadolinium-enhanced SE T1-weighted sequences. Images obtained with each sequence were evaluated for parametrial invasion with the use of histopathologic findings as the standard of reference. RESULTS: In the assessment of tumor infiltration of the parametrium, with FSE T2-weighted images accuracy was 83%, with SE T1-weighted gadolinium-enhanced images was 65%, and with SE T1-weighted gadolinium-enhanced fat-suppressed images was 72%. The difference between the accuracy rate achieved with FSE T2-weighted images and those obtained with the other two MR sequences was statistically significant (P <0.05). The high negative predictive value (95%) for the exclusion of parametrial tumor invasion was the principal contributor to the staging accuracy obtained with FSE T2-weighted imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Unenhanced FSE T2-weighted imaging is a reliable method for determining the degree of tumor invasion in patients with early stage cervical cancer. Our data suggest that contrast-enhanced sequences, even with the use of the fat suppression technique, have limited value in assessing tumor extension.     

A rare case of primary bone xanthoma of the clivus

Primary bone xanthoma is a rare type of tumor, and those developing primarily within the skull are even more unusual. In this case, a primary bone xanthoma of the clivus without endocrine or metabolic complications represents the first of this type to be reported. The patient, a 24-year-old woman, initially experienced frequent headaches. Subsequent skull tomography and bone-window computed tomography (CT) revealed a clearly demarcated osteolytic lesion in the clivus. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exhibited low intensity, and T2-weighted MRI showed iso-high intensity and a heterogeneously faint contrast effect. The tumor was completely resected, after which the patient’s headaches disappeared completely. Because xanthoma is devoid of neoplastic features, it does not necessarily require aggressive therapy. Therefore, it is very important to understand the characteristics of its clinical symptoms and to give due consideration to differential diagnosis based on pathological presentations and imaging features. This study introduces information regarding a bone xanthoma originating within the skull, together with a review of bone xanthoma literature.     

纤维板层型肝癌的影像学表现

目的 观察纤维板层型肝癌（ＦＬ－ＨＣＣ）的影像学表现。方法 １１例ＦＬ－ＨＣ互病理证实。做超声波（ＤＳ）检查１０例,ＣＴ扫描１１例,ＭＲＩ８傲因管造影９例。结果 ＵＳ显示肿瘤呈高回声４例,混杂回声６例,４例有大小不一的囊性区,ＤｏｐｐｌｅｒＵＳ提示肿瘤实性部分血供丰富。ＣＴ显示肿瘤单发９例,多个结节融合２例,平扫均为低密度,７例肿块中心区见放射状更低密度区,病理检查为致密胶原瘢痕,４例见点状钙化,     

Magnetic resonance imaging of brain tumors

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been applied to the diagnosis of brain tumors very widely and MRI is now replacing computed tomography (CT). One of the most important advantages of MRI is influence of multiple tissue and machine parameters on the signal intensities. In addition, capability of imaging in various planes and multislices is another advantage for the brain tumor diagnosis. The coronal image is important when the abnormal side can be compared with the normal side and midline lesions can be easily diagnosed with sagittal imaging. Transverse imaging is important when comparison is made with CT. Many brain tumors show increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images and decreased signal intensity on T1-weighted images and decreased signal intensity on T1-weighted images. The difference of signal intensity in various brain tumors including glioma, meningioma and other important tumors are discussed. MRI is superior to CT in many brain tumors, but poor delineation of calcification and hemorrhage is a disadvantage of MRI.     

外周型原始神经外胚层肿瘤的CT和MRI影像特征

背景与目的:外周型原始神经外胚层肿瘤(primitive neuroectodermal tumor,PNET)用组织学方法检查难以与其它的小圆形细胞肿瘤(如尤文氏肉瘤)区别.本研究目的在于分析和探讨外周型PNET的CT和MRI影像特征.方法:回顾性分析7例经病理证实的外周型PNET的CT和MRI表现.结果:7例PNET发病部位分别为左鼻翼、右下颌骨、左/右胸壁、左精索、胸椎旁及腰段椎管内.发生于软组织的PNET CT表现主要为边界不清的软组织肿块,密度不均匀伴坏死、囊变,无钙化,增强后明显不均匀强化.发生于骨的PNET CT表现为溶骨性骨质破坏并伴巨大软组织肿块形成.发生于椎旁或椎管内的PNET MRI表现为与脊髓和马尾分界清的软组织肿块,在T1WI上呈稍低或等信号改变,在T2WI上呈稍高或等信号改变.结论:外周型PNET的CT和MRI表现缺乏特异性影像特征;CT和MRI检查可显示肿瘤的范围和发现远处转移,对确定手术的可切除性及评价治疗效果有重要参考价值.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of the pancreas and pancreatic tumors in a mouse orthotopic model of human cancer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma has a rising incidence and a very poor survival rate. To develop new treatment strategies, extensive research is performed on animal models of pancreatic cancer. Orthotopic pancreatic tumors models, where the tumor is implanted into the pancreas, resemble the human disease more closely than subcutaneous tumor models, yet are difficult to monitor. In our study we report a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach to visualize the pancreas in mice and to monitor orthotopically implanted pancreatic tumors. An MRI scanner was used to image normal murine pancreas and the pancreas of mice implanted with a human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line. Gadolinium (Gd)-DTPA-enhanced T1- and T2-weighted standard sequences were used with the objective to identify the pancreas and to monitor the growth of orthotopic tumors during 30 days. The pancreas as well as the implanted tumors could be easily identified using MRI. On T2-weighted images, the implanted tumors were easily visualized at the implantation side with high signal intensity. After application of a contrast agent, the tumors showed an enhancement. Heterogeneities within the tumor could be delineated, corresponding to histology, and the size of the tumor could be measured precisely. MR serves as a noninvasive high-resolution image modality to monitor murine pancreas as well as size, growth and even areas of heterogeneity in orthotopic pancreatic tumors.     

Symptomatic central canal rupture heralding the presence of an asymptomatic conus dermoid

Dermoid cysts represent a rare group of tumors manifesting predominantly in adulthood. Rupture of these tumors is well described with it being symptomatic more commonly intracranially as compared to central canal rupture of intraspinally located dermoid tumor which not only is uncommon, but also frequently asymptomatic. The authors report an unusual case of asymptomatic conus dermoid in a young male diagnosed when investigated for a symptomatic isolated central canal rupture. Fatty contents within the central canal may be a harbinger of an underlying dermoid tumor and a whole spine MRI should be performed in such cases to rule out this bizarre presentation.     

A Prospective Evaluation of T2-Weighted First-Pass Perfusion MR Imaging In Diagnosing Breast Neoplasms

Objective To compare the results from breast cancer patients who undergo T2-weighted first-pass perfusion imaging after dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging during the same examination, and to evaluate if T2-weighted imaging can provide additional diagnostic information over that obtained with T1-weighted imaging. Methods Twenty-nine patients with breast lesions verified by pathology (benign 12, malignant 17.) underwent MR imaging with dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging of the entire breasts, immediately followed by 6-sections of T2-weighted first-pass perfusion imaging of the lesions. The diagnostic indices were acquired by individual 3D T1-weighted enhancement rate criterion and the T2 signalintensity loss rate criterion. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated and the 2 methods were compared. Results With the dynamic.contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging, there was a significant differences between the benign and malignant breast lesions (t =2.563,P=0.016). However we found a considerable overlap between the signal intensity increase in the carcinomas and that in the benign lesions, for a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 25%. With T2-weighted first-pass perfusion imaging, there was a very significant difference between the benign and malignant breast lesions(t =4.777,P< 0.001), and the overlap between the signal intensity decrease in the carcinomas and that of the benign lesions on the T2-weighted images was less pronounced than the overlap in the T1-weighted images, for a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 75%. Conclusion T2-weighted first-pass perfusion imaging may help differentiate between benign and malignant breast lesions with a higher level of specificity. The combination of T1-weighted and T2-weighted imaging is feasible in a single patient examination and may improve breast MR imaging.     

Perineural Spread of Malignant Mesothelioma Resulting in an Intradural Spinal Cord Mass: Case Report

Spinal cord involvement by perineural spread of malignant mesothelioma is rare. We report a case of malignant mesothelioma that spread locally to invade the bony spine with both extradural and intradural perineural spread into the spinal canal that resulted in spinal cord compression. A 61-year-old man with a history of malignant mesothelioma presented with progressive leg weakness and right-sided arm weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an enhancing lesion in the apex of the right lung with extension through the C7–T1 foramina with right hemicord enhancement. The patient underwent a C7–T1 laminectomy and right-sided C7–T1 and T1–T2 foraminotomies for neural decompression and biopsy of the lesion. Intraoperatively, tumor extended epidurally, and intradural perineural tumor spread along the C8 and T1 nerve roots into the spinal cord. Because it adhered to the spinal cord, no dissectible plane could be identified that would allow for safe total removal of the tumor. The epidural portion of the tumor, the adjacent involved bone, and the T1 nerve root were resected. Pathologic examination revealed malignant mesothelioma with bony invasion and perineural spread along the T1 nerve root. After decompression of the spinal cord, the patient had moderate improvement of his hand and leg function. Perineural spread of malignant mesothelioma resulting in spinal cord compression is an unusual clinical presentation. Intimate involvement of the spinal cord may prohibit aggressive tumor resection.     

Reproducibility of the MRI-defined spinal cord position in stereotactic radiotherapy for spinal oligometastases

PurposeTo establish the reproducibility of the MRI-defined spinal cord position within the spinal canal.Materials and methodsWe acquired T1- and T2-weighted MRI scans of 15 volunteers on spine levels C7, T8 or L2. The scan protocol was repeated several times for different postures and time intervals. We determined the spinal cord shift (LR, AP, CC) using a rigid, grey value, vertebral body registration, followed by a spinal cord registration. We tested the sensitivity of our method, introducing artificial spinal cord shifts by varying the size and direction of the water-fat-shift (WFS) of the MR sequences.ResultsThe spinal cord position on MRI is reproducible within approximately 0.2 mm SD (LR, AP) and 0.7 mm SD (CC) when reproducing the posture on the same day, as well as several weeks later. However, when comparing different postures, shifts of ∼1.5 mm were found.Varying the WFS difference between scans (0.6–3.0 mm) induced equivalent virtual spinal cord shifts (0.5–2.5 mm).ConclusionsDisplacement of the spinal cord inside the spinal canal may occur as a result of posture change. Considering the total geometric accuracy of spine SBRT, MRI-defined spinal cord position is sufficiently reproducible and requires no addition to the typical setup-and-intrafraction motion PRV margin if posture is identical throughout the RT process.     

Quantitative T2 mapping of recurrent glioblastoma under bevacizumab improves monitoring for non-enhancing tumor progression and predicts overall survival

Background

Anti-angiogenic treatment in recurrent glioblastoma patients suppresses contrast enhancement and reduces vasogenic edema while non-enhancing tumor progression is common. Thus, the importance of T2-weighted imaging is increasing. We therefore quantified T2 relaxation times, which are the basis for the image contrast on T2-weighted images.

Methods

Conventional and quantitative MRI procedures were performed on 18 patients with recurrent glioblastoma before treatment with bevacizumab and every 8 weeks thereafter until further tumor progression. We segmented the tumor on conventional MRI into 3 subvolumes: enhancing tumor, non-enhancing tumor, and edema. Using coregistered quantitative maps, we followed changes in T2 relaxation time in each subvolume. Moreover, we generated differential T2 maps by a voxelwise subtraction using the first T2 map under bevacizumab as reference.

Results

Visually segmented areas of tumor and edema did not differ in T2 relaxation times. Non-enhancing tumor volume did not decrease after commencement of bevacizumab treatment but strikingly increased at progression. Differential T2 maps clearly showed non-enhancing tumor progression in previously normal brain. T2 relaxation times decreased under bevacizumab without re-increasing at tumor progression. A decrease of <26 ms in the enhancing tumor following exposure to bevacizumab was associated with longer overall survival.

Conclusions

Combining quantitative MRI and tumor segmentation improves monitoring of glioblastoma patients under bevacizumab. The degree of change in T2 relaxation time under bevacizumab may be an early response parameter predictive of overall survival. The sustained decrease in T2 relaxation times toward values of healthy tissue masks progressive tumor on conventional T2-weighted images. Therefore, quantitative T2 relaxation times may detect non-enhancing progression better than conventional T2-weighted imaging.     

L-(methyl-11C) methionine positron emission tomography for target delineation in resected high-grade gliomas before radiotherapy

PURPOSE: Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), residual tumor cannot be differentiated from nonspecific postoperative changes in operated patients with brain gliomas. The higher specificity and sensitivity of L-(methyl-11C)-labeled methionine positron emissions tomography (MET-PET) in gliomas has been demonstrated in previous studies and is the rationale for the integration of this investigation in gross tumor volume delineation. The goal of this trial was to quantify the affect of MET-PET vs. with MRI in gross tumor volume definition for radiotherapy planning of high-grade gliomas. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The trial included 39 patients with resected malignant gliomas. MRI and MET-PET data were coregistered based on mutual information. The residual tumor volume on MET-PET and the volume of tissue abnormalities on T1-weighted MRI (gadolinium [Gd] enhancement) and T2-weighted MRI (hyperintensity areas) were compared using MET-PET/MRI fusion images. RESULTS: The MET-PET vs. Gd-enhanced T1-weighted MRI analysis was performed on 39 patients. In 5 patients (13%), MET uptake corresponded exactly with Gd enhancement, and in 29 (74%) of 39 patients, the region of MET uptake was larger than that of the Gd enhancement. In 27 (69%) of the 39 patients, the Gd enhancement area extended beyond the MET enhancement. MET uptake was detected up to 45 mm beyond the Gd enhancement. MET-PET vs. T2-weighted MRI was investigated in 18 patients. MET uptake did not correspond exactly with the hyperintensity areas on T2-weighted MRI in any patient. In 9 (50%) of 18 patients, MET uptake extended beyond the hyperintensity area on the T2-weighted MRI, and in 18 (100%), at least some hyperintensity on the T2-weighted MRI was located outside the MET enhancement area. MET uptake was detected up to 40 mm beyond the hyperintensity area on T2-weighted MRI. CONCLUSION: In operated patients with brain gliomas, the size and location of residual MET uptake differs considerably from abnormalities found on postoperative MRI. Because postoperative changes cannot be differentiated from residual tumor by MRI, MET-PET, with a greater specificity for tumor tissue, can help to outline the gross tumor volume with greater accuracy.     

白血病骨髓磁共振成像的定量测定

背景与目的:国内外对白血病骨髓磁共振成像(MRI)及MRI与临床实验室指标的相关性进行了大量的研究,但将淋巴细胞性白血病(lymphoidleukemia,LL)与髓细胞白血病(myeloidleukemia,ML)分开研究的不多。本研究分别测量LL与ML脊柱骨髓MRI信号强度比(signalintensityratio,SIR),探讨MRI定量测量在白血病组织学定性诊断(LL与ML)及肿瘤负荷评价中的作用。方法:对初诊的20例LL,10例ML进行脊柱骨髓MRI检查,全部白血病的诊断均经骨髓细胞学检查证实。脊柱骨髓MRI检查使用0.5T超导型磁共振成像系统,进行自旋回波(spinecho,SE)序列T1加权像(T1WI)及快速自旋回波(turbospinecho,TSE)序列T2加权像(T2WI),在T1WI上测量白血病骨髓SIR,同时进行外周血常规检查及髂骨骨髓细胞学检查。结果:20例LL和10例ML脊柱骨髓SIR分别为0.72±0.11、0.73±0.11,LL与ML之间SIR无统计学差异(P=0.836)。LL中脊柱骨髓SIR与骨髓内淋巴系幼稚细胞比均呈负相关(r=-0.836,P=0.000)。ML脊柱骨髓SIR与骨髓内粒系幼稚细胞比呈负相关(r=-0.673,P=0.033)。结论:SIR不能区分LL、ML,其组织学定性诊断价值有限,但SIR可评价白血病的肿瘤负荷。     

Carcinoma of the cervix: Value of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in assessing early stromal invasion

Background The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (dynamic MR imaging) in the evaluation of preinvasive and early invasive cancer of the cervix. Methods Twenty-nine women with untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix with either no stromal invasion or early stromal invasion underwent pretreatment MR imaging and dynamic MR imaging within 4 weeks of surgical evaluation. The images were evaluated for tumor detection and compared with results of histologic examination of the surgical specimens. Results The lesions in 17 cases with histologically proven stromal invasion of 4 mm or greater were detected with dynamic MR imaging, whereas lesions in only 8 of these cases were detected with T2 imaging. In 9 cases with stromal invasion between 4.0 mm and 5.0 mm, lesions were represented as early phase focal enhancement on dynamic MR images, but not detected on T2-weighted images. In the 12 cases with less than 4 mm stromal invasion, no lesions were visualized on either T2-weighted images or dynamic MR images, except in 1 case of glandular involvement without stromal invasion that appeared as enhancement on early-phase dynamic MR imaging. Conclusion Dynamic MR imaging detected more lesions of early stromal invasion in pretreatment imaging for cervical cancer than nonenhanced MR imaging.     

滑膜肉瘤MRI影像特征与组织病理学的相关性研究

背景与目的：磁共振成像(magnetic resonance imaging,MRI)是检查软组织肿瘤最好的影像学方法。滑膜肉瘤是常见的恶性软组织肿瘤之一,本研究探讨滑膜肉瘤的MRI影像特征与病理组织学的相关性．以期提高MRI对该肿瘤的诊断水平。材料和方法：12例滑膜肉瘤均经手术病理证实,位于上肢2例,位于下肢lO例;患者年龄35～50岁,中位年龄45岁;男女比例为3：1。MRI扫描采用PHILIPS GYROSCAN 0．5T超导型磁共振成像系统．扫描序列采用SE、FSE、FFE和Stir等序列,所有病例均作T,WI、T2WI和T1W Gd-DTPA静脉内注射增强扫描检查。取手术标本进行病理学检查,比较滑膜肉瘤MRI影像学表现与病理组织学的关系。结果：MRI可见12例肿块均位于关节旁,其中2例向关节内侵犯,3例侵犯邻近的骨质。在T1W12例肿块均呈以等信号为主的肿块．但其中3例肿块可见部分斑片状和囊状高信号区。在T2W6例肿块信号表现为三重信号;6例肿块表现为多结节状,3例呈不规则状,3例为圆形或椭圆形肿块。5例肿瘤内可见分隔征象,液-液平面征l例,肿块最大直径3～13cm。T1WGd-DTPA增强肿块均呈明显不均匀性强化。12例滑膜肉瘤病理分型：低分化单相梭形细胞为主型7例,高分化3例;双相分化2例。肿块内有大范围出血和囊性变6例,大量瘤组织坏死5例,钙化2例。结论：滑膜肉瘤的MRI具有一些特征性,并和肿瘤的组织学类型具有一定相关性。     

Histological and Genetic Diagnosis of Gliomatosis Cerebri: Case Report

Gliomatosis cerebri is considered grade III astrocytoma because of the short survival period of patients with this tumor, while the tumor histologically consists of widespread low grade astrocytoma cells. The authors tried to clarify this discrepancy by applying genetic analysis of the tumor. A 29-year-old man originally presented with mild headache and showed diffuse high intensity areas in both hemispheres and in the cerebellum by T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without gadolinium-dimeglumine (Gd)-enhancement in T1-weighted imaging. Histological diagnosis was gliomatosis cerebri with diffuse grade II astrocytoma. Seven months after temporary improvement following irradiation and chemotherapy, he developed progressive mental deterioration, and died in one year after the surgery. At this time T1-weighted imaging showed Gd-enhanced lesions with enlargement only of the cerebellar tumor. Genetic analysis demonstrated positive FGFR 1 and less FGFR 2 mRNA in the tumor tissue, and FGFR 1 mRNA was type dominant. These results indicated that the genetic features of this tumor are similar to those of glioblastoma multiforme concerning FGFR expression. The authors conclude that genetic investigation of the tumor tissue is required to predict the prognosis of gliomatosis cerebri patients, in addition to imaging and histological examinations.     

A fibrotic nodule arising from the cerebellopontine angle

The authors present an extremely rare case of a fibrotic nodule arising from the cerebellopontine (CP) angle. A 57-year-old male had suffered from hearing disturbance and tinnitus for several years. Computed tomography revealed a high-density mass in the left CP angle with little enhancement after intravenous administration of contrast media. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a very hypointense mass on T2-weighted imaging. T1-weighted MRI with gadolinium revealed very faint, delayed enhancement of the tumor. The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumor. Histopathologically the lesion comprised entirely fibrotic tissue consisting of thick collagenous fibers and sclerosing blood vessels with a few intervening viable cells with, partly, the immunophenotype of arachnoid cells. Intracranial fibrotic nodules are extremely rare. This tumor, however, had some radiological features similar to those of other, more common, tumors for example meningiomas or solitary fibrous tumors; it was, therefore, difficult to distinguish it from the others. It is believed that intracranial fibrotic nodules usually have benign, non-neoplastic characteristics, although their natural history is not yet fully understood. It is, therefore, necessary to be able to perform a differential diagnosis that will distinguish this rare condition from other intracranial fibrous neoplasms that occasionally have malignant features.