Gliomatosis cerebri with formation of a glioblastoma multiform. Study and follow-up by magnetic resonance and computed tomography

A case of gliomatosis cerebri studied by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is reported. Follow-up by serial CT revealed a right parieto-occipital glioblastoma. Gliomatosis cerebri and multiform glioblastoma were demonstrated by histologic study. Anatomic and CT data were correlated. The role of CT and MRI in the diagnosis of this disease was evaluated and case studies of CT published in the literature were reviewed.     

Value of diagnosis and differential diagnosis of MRI and MR spectroscopy in gliomatosis cerebri

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize gliomatosis cerebri on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and to analyze the value of these two techniques in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of gliomatosis cerebri. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images of 14 patients with gliomatosis cerebri were reviewed retrospectively; seven of the patients also underwent MRS (single-voxel point-resolved spectroscopy, and chemical-shift imaging point-resolved spectroscopy). Tumorous were confirmed by surgery and biopsy. The distribution, extension and signal features of lesions were assessed, and the MR spectroscopy results were analyzed. RESULTS: Tumors involved at least two lobes of the brain in all patients. Widespread invasion with isointensity or hypointensity on T1-weighted MR images and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images were found while no prominent necrosis, hemorrhage or contrast enhancement was found. All patients who underwent MRS showed elevated Cho/Cr and Cho/NAA levels as well as decreased NAA/Cr ratios in the abnormal areas on T2-weighted images, three of which showed a lactate doublet. Anaplastic lesions had higher Cho/NAA levels in three cases. Abnormality of metabolism was also seen in the margin of the lesion that was normal on T2-weighted images. CONCLUSION: MRI and MRS are valuable techniques for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of gliomatosis cerebri. Combining clinical information and MRI findings, as well as MRS, is crucial for making a definitive diagnosis.     

脑胶质瘤病的MRI及MRS研究

目的 :回顾性分析大脑胶质瘤病磁共振成像 (MRI)及磁共振波谱 (MRS)特点 ,以探讨两者对本病诊断的临床价值。方法 :综合 7例患者的临床表现、影像学特点及病理诊断 ,均符合大脑胶质瘤病诊断标准。常规行SE序列平扫及增强。其中 3例行MRS研究 ,二维多体素、点分辨法 (PRESS)、TE 14 4ms。结果 :所有病例均侵犯 2个脑叶或以上。病变区呈长T2 、稍长T1异常信号 ,受累区脑组织肿胀 ,占位效应轻。 3例增强扫描见小结节或片状强化 ,4例无明显强化。 3例MRS表现均有不同程度NAA降低 ,Cho上升 ,Cho/Cr和Cho/NAA的比值上升。结论 :MRI是目前诊断大脑胶质瘤病的首选影像学方法 ,MRS对于鉴别诊断有较大价值。     

Multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy in gliomatosis cerebri

Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare entity with non-specific clinical and conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings; accurate diagnosis is a differential diagnostic challenge. MR spectroscopy has recently been introduced as a useful diagnostic tool for detection of this entity. We present a gliomatosis cerebri case in which we made the radiological diagnosis using the MR spectroscopy findings; the diagnosis was confirmed by subsequent biopsy and histopathologic evaluation. Multivoxel spectroscopy (CSI, PRESS, 1500/135) shows a marked increase in Cho/NAA (6.6), normal to mild increase in Cho/Cr (1.2), and marked decrease in NAA/Cr (0.2) compared with the normally appearing contralateral side (Cho/NAA: 0.8, Cho/Cr: 0.9, NAA/Cr: 1.2).     

MRI及MRS对大脑胶质瘤病的诊断及鉴别诊断价值

目的评价MRI及MRS在大脑胶质瘤病的诊断和鉴别诊断中的价值。方法回顾性分析经活检、手术病理证实的6例大脑胶质瘤病患者的MRI和MRS表现特征,并与病理切片进行对照;常规行SE序列平扫及增强、DWI序列成像,其中3例行MRS研究,二维多体素、点分辨法PRESS、TE 144 m s。结果所有病例均侵犯2个脑叶或以上,同时伴胼胝体侵犯6例、基底节和丘脑侵犯4例、脑干侵犯2例。病变区呈长T2、稍长T1异常信号,T2WI、FLAIR上均为高信号,无坏死、钙化,受累区脑组织肿胀,占位效应轻。2例增强扫描见小结节状强化,4例无明显强化。3例MRS表现均有不同程度NAA降低,NAA/Cr比值降低,Cho上升,Cho/Cr和Cho/NAA的比值上升。结论MRI结合MRS对大脑胶质瘤病的诊断及鉴别诊断具有较大价值,结合临床、MRI及MRS是能够作出明确诊断的。     

Gliomatosis cerebri: a case report with autopsy correlation

Summary MRI-autopsy correlation in a case of gliomatosis cerebri suggests that poor gray-white matter demarcation on MRI may be sign of neoplastic infiltration. The extent of infiltration is imperfectly assessed by current imaging modalities.     

Clinico-radiological spectrum of bilateral temporal lobe hyperintensity:a retrospective review

Bilateral temporal lobe hyperintensity (BTH) is a commonly encountered MRI finding in a wide spectrum of clinical conditions and often poses a diagnostic challenge to the radiologist. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate several diseases that manifest as BTH on MRI, based on a retrospective review of cranial MRI of 65 cases seen in our institution between October 2007 and September 2010. We found BTH in different clinical scenarios that included infective diseases (herpes simplex virus, congenital cytomegalovirus infection), epileptic syndrome (mesial temporal sclerosis), neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Type 1 myotonic dystrophy), neoplastic conditions (gliomatosis cerebri), metabolic disorders (mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes, Wilson's disease, hyperammonemia), dysmyelinating disease (megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts), and vascular (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy) and paraneoplastic (limbic encephalitis) disorders. The conventional MRI findings with advanced MRI such as diffusion-weighted imaging, susceptibility-weighted imaging and MR spectroscopy along with laboratory results are potentially helpful in distinguishing the different clinical conditions and thus affect the early diagnosis and clinical outcome.     

Multiple intracerebral cavernous angiomas

Eight patients (seven women and one man) with multiple intracerebral cavernous angiomas (cavernomas), also known as angiomatosis cerebri, were examined with high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although previous articles have referred to such cases, a series similar to the one reported here has apparently not been described in the radiology literature. The patients presented with seizures, progressive neurologic deficit or cerebral hemorrhage. In all eight cases the multiplicity of the lesions was an incidental finding in the magnetic resonance images. The MRI appearance of the cavernomas, although characteristic, is similar to that of other angiographically occult intracranial vascular malformations, in particular thrombosed arteriovenous malformations and mixed vascular malformations, as well as that of hemorrhagic metastases. Additional criteria, such as the absence of edema, the presence of calcifications and the temporal evolution of the cavernomas on serial scans, should allow cavernomas to be differentiated from hemorrhagic metastases. The exquisite sensitivity in detecting angiomatosis cerebri and the ability to show the evolution of internal hemorrhage in individual lesions make MRI the method of choice for diagnosing and following this condition.     

大脑胶质瘤病磁共振成像结合磁共振波谱成像的诊断价值

目的：探讨磁共振成像（MRI）结合磁共振波谱成像（MRS）对大脑胶质瘤病的诊断价值。方法对15例经活体组织检查或手术病理证实的大脑胶质瘤病患者的临床表现及MRI平扫、增强,MRS影像学资料进行回顾性分析。MRI常规行T1WI、T2WI及FLAIR序列,采用时间飞跃法（TOF）的磁共振血管成像（MRA）,T1WI增强扫描。氢质子MRS采用单体素STEAM序列,并分析N-乙酰天门冬氨酸（NAA）、肌酸（Cr）、胆碱复合物（Cho）等物质峰值改变。结果所有病例均侵犯2个或2个以上脑叶,以颞叶、枕叶、胼胝体、基底节和丘脑等部位侵犯受累常见。病变区T1WI呈低或等低信号、T2WI呈高或混杂高信号、FLAIR上为高信号,未见明显坏死、钙化,受累区域脑组织肿胀,占位效应轻。注射钆喷酸葡胺增强扫描示10例无明显强化、3例斑片状强化、1例结节状强化、1例线状轻度强化。病变区域MRS表现为不同程度NAA降低,NAA/Cr比值降低;Cho上升,Cho/Cr和Cho/NAA的比值上升。结论 MRI结合MRS对大脑胶质瘤病的诊断及鉴别诊断具有临床价值,是目前诊断大脑胶质瘤病的首选影像学方法。     

MRI对脑胶质瘤病的诊断价值

目的：探讨MRI对脑胶质瘤病的诊断价值。方法：分析7例脑胶质瘤病的MRI表现。结果：7例胶质瘤病均侵犯2个脑叶或以上，5例侵及大脑深部结构，病变均呈长T1、长T2信号，占位效应不明显，未见明显强化，DWI示部分病灶呈高信号，ADC图呈低信号，且ADC值低于正常脑实质值，MRS波谱示病变区NAA峰明显降低，2例CHO峰明显升高，未见明显LAC峰，病理证实为脑胶质瘤病。结论：MRI是目前诊断脑胶质瘤病的首选影像学诊断方法。     

Gliomatosis cerebri evaluated by <Superscript>18</Superscript>Fα-methyl tyrosine positron-emission tomography

Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare condition in which an infiltrative glial neoplasm spreads through the brain with preservation of the underlying structure. CT and MRI show diffuse abnormal density or signal, without mass effect, and because these findings are nonspecific, it is difficult to make a definitive diagnosis. Our purpose was to assess the usefulness of a new tumour-detecting amino acid tracer for positron-emission tomography (PET), L-[3-¹⁸F] -methyl tyrosine (FMT), in patients with gliomatosis cerebri. We performed FMT PET, fluorodeoxyglucose FDG PET and MRI eight patients with gliomatosis cerebri and six with non-neoplastic disease, whose MRI also showed diffuse high signal on T2-weighted images. Standardised uptake (SUV) of FMT and FDG in the area of gliomatosis was obtained and the tumour-to-normal cortex (T/N) ratio of this was compared. The tumours were shown on FMT PET as areas of increased uptake, except in one patient with severe intracranial hypertension. There were significant differences between the SUV of FMT and the T/N ratio of FMT in patients and in controls (both P<0.01), and between the T/N ratio of FMT and FDG in patients (P <0.01). Increased uptake of FMT PET strongly suggests neoplasia. FMT PET is valuable for differentiating gliomatosis cerebri from non-neoplastic diseases showing similar diffuse high signal on T2-weighted images and little contrast enhancement.     

Fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery MR imaging of gliomatosis cerebri

Magnetic resonance imaging has been shown to be the most sensitive imaging modality in the assessment of gliomatosis cerebri. Recent studies have shown that fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) is a valuable MR sequence in the delineation of cerebral pathologies including intra-axial tumors. However, no data are available about the role of this novel technique in the assessment of gliomatosis lesions. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the diagnostic potential of FLAIR MR imaging in patients with suspected gliomatosis cerebri. Seven patients suspected of having lesions of gliomatosis cerebri were examined by T1-weighted spin echo (SE), T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE), and FLAIR MR imaging with identical slice parameters. T1 and FLAIR were repeated after contrast media administration. Delineation and extent of gliomatosis were the primary parameters of the image analysis. The FLAIR imaging clearly delineated the extent of gliomatosis lesions in all patients. Due to the suppression of cerebrospinal fluid, the delineation was superior to conventional T2-weighted FSE images. Especially the detection and delineation of cortical spread and the infiltration of the corpus callosum was best seen on FLAIR images. The FLAIR MR imaging is a valuable diagnostic modality in the assessment of patients with gliomatosis cerebri. Due to its better delineation of tumor spread, it was found to be the imaging method of choice and should therefore be integrated into the MR imaging protocol of these patients. Received: 28 February 2000/Revised: 16 June 2000/Accepted: 19 June 2000     

Pseudotumour cerebri and optic hydrops—magnetic resonance imaging diagnostic and therapeutical considerations in a paediatric case

We report the case of a 4-year-old girl with progressive visual loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a perioptic subarachnoidal space dilatation. In this case, a clear differentiation between pseudotumour cerebri and optic hydrops was not possible. Administration of acetazolamid, furosemid and corticosteroids did not show any success. Progressive loss of visual function was halted with ventriculo-peritoneal shunting. We discuss MRI findings, aetiology and course of the disease, and its literature.     

Gliomatosis cerebri presenting with optic nerve involvement: MRI

Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare form of astrocytoma characterized by extreme infiltration of the brain structure in conjunction with a relative paucity of clinical findings. We describe the MRI findings in a patient with gliomatosis cerebri widely infiltrating the brain who presented with symptoms related to involvement of the optic nerves and chiasm. Contrast-enhanced MRI showed enlargement of the optic nerves and chiasm with pathological enhancement; T2-weighted images showed extensive infiltration of the brain by tumor. Histopathologic examination of the biopsy specimen showed anaplastic astrocytoma with gemistocytic predominance and a diagnosis of gliomatosis cerebri was reached. Received: 12 March 1994 Accepted: 20 June 1994     

构建国人头颈三维有限元模型

目的研究构建国人头颈三维有限元模型。方法依据正常国人头颅CT、MRI断层扫描图像，识别确定重建对象，对皮肤、颅骨采用灰度阈值法、轮廓跟踪算法及B样条曲线拟合法进行自动重建；对其他结构采用人机对话方式提取边界关键点，进行重建实体。定义结构材料参数后划分网格。筛选相邻体积交接面节点，粘连节点完成建模。结果完成包含皮肤、颅骨、硬膜、静脉窦、脑灰白质、脑干、小脑、脑室系统、颈椎及颈髓的国人头颈三维有限元模型。模型单元及节点数分别为168733，80535，总质量约5．14kg。结论利用医学影像资料，采用轮廓跟踪算法等数字图像技术可半自动实现人颅脑复杂结构的三维重建。     

颅内软骨瘤的CT、MRI诊断

目的总结探讨颅内软骨瘤的CT、MRI特点。方法对1994年1月至2004年9月经手术病理证实的10例颅内软骨瘤的CT、MRI特点进行回顾性分析。结果10例中，肿瘤位于颅底4例，大脑凸面4例，大脑镰区、脑实质内各1例；CT上均见到明显的钙化且边缘清楚，密度多不均匀（9例），相邻骨质可受累（5例）；于MRI上呈混杂信号（4例），其中钙化部分呈长T1、短T2信号，实质部分呈等长T1、长T2信号；CT增强扫描出现轻度强化4例，其中3例为延迟强化。结论颅内软骨瘤好发于颅底、大脑凸面及大脑镰区，多数伴有明显钙化，增强扫描呈轻度强化，延迟强化较有特点。病理仍是主要的确诊手段。     

Tc-99m nanocolloid scintigraphic imaging of intracranial meningeal extramedullary hematopoiesis in a patient with idiopathic myelofibrosis

Meningeal extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is a rare finding in idiopathic myelofibrosis. Intracranial EMH is typically asymptomatic and sites are usually found by chance. Diagnosis of EMH is difficult, based on clinical circumstances and the use of different diagnostic imaging modalities, such as CT, MRI or radionuclide imaging. We present a case with intracranial medullary hematopoiesis due to idiopathic myelofibrosis diagnosed with Tc-99m nanocolloid scintigraphy. Cranium SPECT images that were performed with Tc-99m nanocolloid showed increased radiotracer uptake in the bilateral parietal, bilateral frontal and left occipital bones and especially in falx cerebri of sinus sagittalis superior. In Tc-99m MDP bone scintigraphy, increased osteoblastic activity in the left frontal and parietal bones, in shoulders, knee and ankle joints, and in both metatarsal bones were seen. After gadodiamid injection, Tl weighted MRI showed diffuse contrast increased in the meningeal areas surrounding the brain. A biopsy of the mass revealed extramedullary hematopoiesis composed of erythroblasts, mature and immature myeloid cells, and megakaryocytes. It was deduced that these described foci of EMH.     

Dynamic contrast-enhanced T2*-weighted MR imaging of gliomatosis cerebri

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MR imaging characteristics of gliomatosis cerebri reiterate the diffuse nature of this tumor but are nonspecific and thus may pose a diagnostic challenge. Because perfusion MR imaging can provide a physiologic map of the microcirculation, we compared the measured relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) at perfusion imaging with histopathologic findings in gliomatosis cerebri. MR spectroscopic findings were also reviewed. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed of conventional and perfusion MR images from seven patients with proved gliomatosis cerebri. The conventional MR images were evaluated for the presence or absence of contrast enhancement, necrosis, and extent of T2-weighted signal intensity abnormality. Dynamic contrast-enhanced T2*-weighted gradient-echo echo-planar images were acquired during the first pass of a bolus injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine. The rCBV was calculated by using nondiffusible tracer kinetics and expressed relative to normal-appearing white matter. Pathologic findings were reviewed in all patients and compared with the MR perfusion data. Multivoxel 2D chemical shift imaging proton MR spectroscopic data were available for three patients and single-voxel data for one patient. RESULTS: Conventional MR images showed diffuse abnormality in all cases and absence of contrast enhancement in all but one case. Average rCBV range was 0.75-1.26 (mean, 1.02 +/- 0.42 [SD]). MR spectroscopic data revealed spectra consistent with presence of tumoral disease. Histopathologic review showed absence of vascular hyperplasia in all specimens. CONCLUSION: The low MR rCBV measurements of gliomatosis cerebri are in concordance with the lack of vascular hyperplasia found at histopathologic examination; thus, perfusion MR imaging provides useful adjunctive information that is not available from conventional MR imaging techniques.     

Oligodendroglial gliomatosis cerebri: 1H-MRS suggests elevated glycine/inositol levels

Oligodendroglial gliomatosis cerebri is very rare. We describe 42-year-old woman who had low-grade oligodendroglial gliomatosis cerebri confirmed on stereotactic biopsy. The diffuse nature of the tumour was apparent clinically, neurophysiologically, on MRI and on proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). She also had an isolated, false-localising partial seventh nerve palsy. MRS, of which there are no previous reports, suggested elevated glycine/inositol levels. This might be explained by the cell lineage from which the tumour arose. Received: 5 January 1999 Accepted: 25 January 1999     

Detection of cranial meningiomas: comparison of 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT and contrast-enhanced MRI

Purpose

PET imaging with somatostatin receptor ligands, such as ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC, is a well-established method for detection and target volume definition of meningiomas prior to radiotherapy. Since DOTATOC PET delivers a higher contrast between meningiomas and surrounding tissues than MRI, we conducted a retrospective analysis to compare the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI) with ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT in patients with cranial meningiomas prior to radiotherapy.

Methods

Over a period of 6?years, 134 patients (20–82?years of age, 107 women and 27 men) underwent cranial CE-MRI and ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT. To compare the two methods, the lesions considered typical of meningiomas visually were counted and analysed with respect to their location and SUVmax.

Results

In the 134 patients investigated by both modalities, 190 meningiomas were detected by ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT and 171 by CE-MRI. With knowledge of the PET/CT data, the MRI scans were reinvestigated, which led to the detection of 4 of the 19 incidental meningiomas, resulting in an overall detection rate of 92?% of the meningioma lesions that were found by PET/CT.

Conclusion

Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT demonstrated an improved sensitivity in meningioma detection when compared to CE-MRI. Tumours adjacent to the falx cerebri, located at the skull base or obscured by imaging artefacts or calcification are particularly difficult to detect by MRI. Therefore ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT may provide additional information in patients with uncertain or equivocal results on MRI or could help to confirm a diagnosis of meningioma based on MRI or could help to confirm MRI-based diagnosis of meningiomas in cases of biopsy limitations. It is possible that not only radiotherapy and surgical planning, but also follow-up strategies would benefit from this imaging modality.