Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of intracranial epidermoid tumours

Intracranial epidermoids can closely mimic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on MRI and CT. Therefore epidermoids can be difficult to detect, or distinguish from CSF. Three cases of intracranial epidermoid are presented, one of which closely mimicked an arachnoid cyst on CT and routine MRI sequences. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) was performed. All three epidermoids demonstrated marked restriction of diffusion relative to CSF, clearly defining the extent of each lesion, and allowing differentiation from an arachnoid cyst or an enlarged CSF space.     

弥散加权成像与MRI增强诊断表皮样囊肿的比较研究

目的:比较弥散加权成像(DWI)与MRI增强(CE-MRI)对表皮样囊肿的检出敏感性,评价DWI的临床应用价值.方法:对59例初次检查及66例术后复查疑似表皮样囊肿的患者行回顾性研究,所有病例均行常规序列[T1 WI、Tz WI、液体衰减反转恢复序列(FLAIR)]、弥散加权成像(DWI)和钆对比剂增强扫描(CE-MRI)检查.将所有图像分为DWI结合常规序列(Ⅰ组)、CE-MR1结合常规序列(Ⅱ组)及DWI联合CE-MRI并结合常规序列(Ⅲ组)三组进行判断,诊断结果与手术病理进行比较,判定三组检查方法的敏感性,组间比较采用配对资料的x2检验.另外选择32例经病理及随访观察证实的蛛网膜囊肿做对照,分析信号特征并测量ADC值,与表皮样囊肿ADC值的比较采用配对t检验.结果:Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组诊断表皮样囊肿的敏感性分别为90.5％、57.8％,二者具有明显统计学差异(x2=25.714,P＜0.01).Ⅲ组诊断表皮样囊肿的敏感性为91.8％,与11组具有明显统计学差异(x2=30.250,P＜0.01),与Ⅰ组没有统计学差异(x2=0.250,P＞0.05).病理证实的88例表皮样囊肿DWI均呈明显高信号,32例蛛网膜囊肿DW1均呈明显低信号,表皮样囊肿的ADC值(1.06士0.21×103)mm2/s明显低于蛛网膜囊肿的的ADC值(3.24±0.39×101)mm2/s,两者比较差异有统计学意义(t =-3.647,P＜0.01).结论:DWI较MRI增强检查对表皮样囊肿具有较高的检出率,在与蛛网膜囊肿的鉴别及判断表皮样囊肿复发上能提供有价值的诊断信息.     

Retroclival arachnoid cyst.

Retroclival arachnoid cyst is a rare mass lesion, with only seven cases previously reported in literature. MR is the imaging modality of choice in its evaluation and in its differentiation from epidermoid cyst. The case reported here was surgically proved and had an uncharacteristic MR signal intensity that was higher than that of cerebrospinal fluid due to previous hemorrhage.     

CT scan and gas encephalography in diagnosis of arachnoid cyst and epidermoid cyst of Galen's cistern

Summary The CAT scan is insufficient to make the differential diagnosis between an arachnoid cyst and an epidermoid cyst in the cistern of Galen. Gas encepahlography is necessary. This procedure reveals arachnoid cysts of the communicating type, but is insufficient in distinguishing between an epidermoid cyst and a non-communicating arachnoid cyst. In this situation, histograms of the absorption values in each section of the lesion may be helpful for the diagnosis.     

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of the brain: value of differentiating between extraaxial cysts and epidermoid tumors

This study demonstrates the use of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in improving the specificity of the diagnosis of extraaxial brain tumors. Three surgically proved lesions (one arachnoid cyst and two epidermoid tumors) and two nonsurgically proved lesions (arachnoid and ependymal cysts) were evaluated with T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo studies followed by intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MR imaging. The IVIM images of the lesions were displayed as an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) image obtained at 0.65 G/cm (maximum gradient b value = 100 sec/mm2) and compared with external oil and water phantoms. The ADC of arachnoid cysts was similar to stationary water whereas the ADC of epidermoid tumors was similar to brain parenchyma, indicating the solid nature and the slower diffusion rate of the epidermoid tumors. Cisternal CSF demonstrated uniformly high ADC, primarily because of bulk flow, which enhanced image contrast. Improved delineation of postsurgical changes was also possible. Our preliminary results show that diffusion-weighted MR imaging can be useful in distinguishing between arachnoid cysts and epidermoid tumors.     

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of the brain: value of differentiating between extraaxial cysts and epidermoid tumors

This study demonstrates the use of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in improving the specificity of the diagnosis of extraaxial brain tumors. Three surgically proved lesions (one arachnoid cyst and two epidermoid tumors) and two nonsurgically proved lesions (arachnoid and ependymal cysts) were evaluated with T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo studies followed by intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MR imaging. The IVIM images of the lesions were displayed as an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) image obtained at 0.65 G/cm (maximum gradient b value = 100 sec/mm2) and compared with external oil and water phantoms. The ADC of arachnoid cysts was similar to stationary water whereas the ADC of epidermoid tumors was similar to brain parenchyma, indicating the solid nature and the slower diffusion rate of the epidermoid tumors. Cisternal CSF demonstrated uniformly high ADC, primarily because of bulk flow, which enhanced image contrast. Improved delineation of postsurgical changes was also possible. Our preliminary results show that diffusion-weighted MR imaging can be useful in distinguishing between arachnoid cysts and epidermoid tumors.     

颅内表皮样囊肿的影像与病理所见对照分析

目的探讨颅内表皮样囊肿的常见及特殊影像表现与病理所见的关系。资料与方法回顾性分析44例表皮样囊肿的临床资料和影像学表现。全组病例均行MRI扫描,其中3例行扩散加权成像(DWI)检查,20例有CT平扫资料,1例在MRI检查的同时行X线颅骨平片检查。结果病变位于桥小脑角及桥池者24例,桥池及鞍上池者5例,鞍旁5例,大脑纵裂2例,第四脑室2例,板障2例,前颅凹2例,松果体区1例,内听道及中耳1例。其中6例影像学表现特殊,与病理检查对照,发现囊内含较多蛋白、脂类物质、胆固醇结晶以及发生囊内出血、钙化。液体衰减反转恢复序列(FLAIR)像和DWI能清楚显示位于基底池内的表皮样囊肿,并能与蛛网膜囊肿相鉴别。结论FLAIR和DWI是诊断颅内表皮样囊肿非常有价值的检查方法。     

Arachnoid cyst of the craniospinal junction: a case report and review of the literature

Arachnoid cysts are benign intra-arachnoid collections of cerebrospinal fluid and comprise around 1% of the intracranial masses. Unless complicated with hemorrhage, they are similar to cerebrospinal fluid in signal intensity in most cases. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals that they have no water restriction and distinguishes them from epidermoid cysts, which show water restriction. Arachnoid cysts of the craniospinal junction are rare lesions, with only seven cases reported in the literature. Imaging findings of all craniospinal arachnoid cysts reveal a large posterior fossa arachnoid cyst extending through the foramen magnum to the level of the upper spine. We present MRI findings of a 27-year-old female patient with a craniospinal arachnoid cyst.     

MR扩散加权成像对颅内囊性肿块的鉴别诊断价值

目的 :探讨MR扩散加权成像对颅内囊性肿块的鉴别诊断价值。方法 :搜集有手术病理结果的患者 3 1例 ,其中表皮样囊肿 9例 ,蛛网膜囊肿 15例 ,囊性颅咽管瘤 4例 ,颅底囊性变神经鞘瘤 3例。所有病例均行MR常规T1WI、T2 WI及DWI扫描 ,回顾性分析各组病例的MR常规及扩散加权成像表现。结果 :在MR扩散加权图像上 ,所有 7例表皮样囊肿均为显著高信号 ,而在指数扩散加权像及ADC图上为等信号 ;其余病变在扩散加权图像上为低信号或伴等信号。结论 :MR扩散加权成像有助于表皮样囊肿与其它颅内脑外囊性肿块的鉴别 ,表皮样囊肿的扩散加权高信号主要是由“T2余辉效应”而非水分子扩散受限所致。     

Magnetic resonance imaging of arachnoid cysts

A retrospective review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—computed tomography (CT) correlation was performed in 29 patients with arachnoid cysts. Short TR, short TE spin echo (SE) pulse sequences provided the best anatomic definition whereas multiple echo long TR, TE sequences allowed comparison of the signal intensity of the cyst with that of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Simple arachnoid cysts were isointense while neoplastic, hemorrhagic or inflammatory cysts were hyperintense relative to CSF. The CT differential diagnosis of an arachnoid cyst (depending upon its location) may include other cystic collections such as craniopharyngioma, epidermoid, astrocytoma, and chronic subdural hematoma. However, on MRI the combination of extraaxial location, morphological features, and signal intensity matching that of CSF allows one to make the diagnosis of an uncomplicated arachnoid cyst with confidence.     

Unusual lesions of the cerebellopontine angle: a segmental approach.

Tumors of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) are frequent; acoustic neuromas and meningiomas represent the great majority of such tumors. However, a large variety of unusual lesions can also be encountered in the CPA. The site of origin is the main factor in making a preoperative diagnosis for an unusual lesion of the CPA. In addition, it is essential to analyze attenuation at computed tomography (CT), signal intensity at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, enhancement, shape and margins, extent, mass effect, and adjacent bone reaction. CPA masses can primarily arise from the cerebellopontine cistern and other CPA structures (arachnoid cyst, nonacoustic schwannoma, aneurysm, melanoma, miscellaneous meningeal lesions) or from embryologic remnants (epidermoid cyst, dermoid cyst, lipoma). Tumors can also invade the CPA by extension from the petrous bone or skull base (cholesterol granuloma, paraganglioma, chondromatous tumors, chordoma, endolymphatic sac tumor, pituitary adenoma, apex petrositis). Finally, CPA lesions can be secondary to an exophytic brainstem or ventricular tumor (glioma, choroid plexus papilloma, lymphoma, hemangioblastoma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor). A close association between CT and MR imaging findings is very helpful in establishing the preoperative diagnosis for unusual lesions of the CPA.     

CT and MR imaging features of intracerebral epidermoid--a rare lesion

We present a rare case of intracerebral epidermoid cyst with partial calcification on CT and a characteristic hyperintense signal on diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI). MR imaging with DWI may help to accurately distinguish the lesion from other cystic tumours of the brain.     

Pathology of the vestibulocochlear nerve

There is a large scala of pathology affecting the vestibulocochlear nerve. Magnetic resonance imaging is the method of choice for the investigation of pathology of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Congenital pathology mainly consists of agenesis or hypoplasia of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Tumoral pathology affecting the vestibulocochlear nerve is most frequently located in the internal auditory canal or cerebellopontine angle. Schwannoma of the vestibulocochlear nerve is the most frequently found tumoral lesion followed by meningeoma, arachnoid cyst and epidermoid cyst. The most frequently encountered pathologies as well as some more rare entities are discussed in this chapter.     

颅内表皮样囊肿的CT和MRI诊断

评估颅内表皮样囊肿的ＣＴ和ＭＲＩ表现。材料和方法：４７例经手术和病理证实的表皮样囊肿中,１０例行ＣＴ平扫和增强,其中９例同时行ＭＲＩ检查;另有３７例作常规ＭＲＩ检查,其中１３例还加作ＦＬＡＩＲ序列,１０例行增强扫描。结果：肿瘤闰于桥小脑角２５例,鞍区及鞍旁８例,颅中窝底６例,脑内３例,松果体区２例,第四脑室内２例,小脑天幕处１例。４７例中不规则形３０例,圆形或类圆形１７例。ＣＲＴ平扫表现为均匀低密     

颅内表皮样囊肿的CT诊断

目的:分析表皮样囊肿的CT表现并提高其诊断准确性。材料与方法:11例患者,其中,男性6例,女性5例,年龄介于25～65岁,均经采用GE1600C型扫描仪以OM为基线横断扫描,于平扫后行增强扫描。结果:11例患者的病灶均呈囊性低密度,其中,圆形病灶见于3例,扁平不规则形且境界欠清的病灶见于8例。后者中,1例的病灶位于枕大池,压迫四脑室并引起幕上脑积水。1例的病灶位于鞍上池及环池。其余患者的病灶均位于桥小脑角池且有沿蛛网膜下腔生长的趋势。结论:只要掌握表皮样囊肿的上述CT表现,便容易将其与蛛网膜囊肿,皮样囊肿,以及颅内其他囊性肿块相鉴别。     

Epidermoid cyst of the testicle: unusual magnetic resonance imaging findings

Epidermoid cyst of the testis is an uncommon benign tumor that can be treated by organ-preserving surgery when diagnosed preoperatively. Although some sonographic characteristics may be suggestive of epidermoid cysts, sonography is not completely diagnostic. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings may provide support for the diagnosis of epidermoid cysts. The MRI findings of testicular epidermoid cysts have been reported as either bull's eye or target in appearance, or with signal intensity characteristics more typical of a cystic lesion. In this paper, we present typical sonographic and unusual MRI findings of a testicular epidermoid cyst.     

Evaluation of complex cystic masses of the brain: value of steady-state free-precession MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE. This study evaluated the effectiveness of steady-state free-precession (SSFP) MR imaging of complex cystic masses of the brain compared with that of conventional T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo imaging. Our hypothesis is that SSFP MR images provide better characterization of these masses and facilitate more appropriate preoperative diagnoses and planning. SUBJECT AND METHODS. Axial T1-weighted and SSFP MR images and specimens for pathologic examination were obtained in seven consecutive patients, 9-81 years old, with cystic mass lesions of the brain and neurologic symptoms and signs directly related to the masses. Axial contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images were obtained in six patients, surgical exploration was done in five patients, and stereotaxic biopsy was done in two. After examination of the routine spin-echo and SSFP images, the usefulness of SSFP images was determined by how well they facilitated correct preoperative diagnosis. RESULTS. On SSFP MR images, the solid or inhomogeneous components of a cystic mass had extremely low signals in contrast to the high signal of surrounding fluid. On routine spin-echo images, however, the signals of these components were masked by the signal of the surrounding fluid. SSFP MR images helped markedly in diagnosis of hemorrhagic, epidermoid, and arachnoid cysts. In cases of enhancing brain tumors, SSFP MR images provided the same information that contrast-enhanced images did. Overall, when SSFP MR imaging was used, more information about the texture and constituents of the cystic mass was obtained, and a more useful diagnosis was made. CONCLUSION. Initial results show that SSFP MR imaging is a more useful technique than conventional spin-echo imaging for characterizing complex cystic masses of the brain. SSFP MR imaging (1) allows distinction of edema from tumor, (2) helps establish where biopsy has the best chance of providing tissue that will show pathologic changes, and (3) helps distinguish simple cysts from tumors, tumor-cyst, or multicompartmental cyst and may be particularly helpful in detecting the contents of hemorrhagic cysts.     

Imaging of cerebellopontine angle lesions: an update. Part 2: intra-axial lesions,skull base lesions that may invade the CPA region,and non-enhancing extra-axial lesions

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging reliably demonstrate typical features of vestibular schwannomas or meningiomas in the vast majority of mass lesions responsible for cerebellopontine angle (CPA) syndrome. However, a large variety of unusual lesions can also be encountered in the CPA. Covering the entire spectrum of lesions potentially found in the CPA, these articles explain the pertinent neuroimaging features that radiologists need to know to make clinically relevant diagnoses in these cases, including data from diffusion- and perfusion-weighted imaging or MR spectroscopy, when available. A diagnostic algorithm based on the lesion’s site of origin, shape and margins, density, signal intensity and contrast material uptake is also proposed. Non-enhancing extra-axial CPA masses are cystic (epidermoid cyst, arachnoid cyst, neurenteric cyst) or contain fat (dermoid cyst, lipoma). Tumours can also extend into the CPA by extension from the skull base (paraganglioma, chondromatous tumours, chordoma, cholesterol granuloma, endolymphatic sac tumour). Finally, brain stem or ventricular tumours can present with a significant exophytic component in the CPA that may be difficult to differentiate from an extra-axial lesion (lymphoma, hemangioblastoma, choroid plexus papilloma, ependymoma, glioma, medulloblastoma, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour).     

桥小脑角区病变的MRI表现

目的探讨桥小脑角（cerebellopontineangle,CPA）区占位性病变在磁共振检查中的影像表现。方法分析83例行MRI平扫＋增强检查,且经手术病理证实,具有完整临床资料的CPA占位性病变的MRI表现,重点观察病灶的大小、形态、边缘轮廓、瘤周水肿、周围结构的改变、平扫及增强后的信号强度。结果本组83例CPA病变中,听神经瘤50例,脑膜瘤13例,表皮样囊肿13例,三又神经瘤4例,蛛网膜囊肿1例,星形细胞瘤1例,室管膜瘤1例。肿瘤位于左侧CPA区38例,右侧CPA区45例。术前定位准确率为98．8％,定性准确率为95．2％。结论MRI检查是检查桥小脑角区占位性病变的首选方法,对该区病变的诊断和鉴别诊断有重要价值。     

鞍区囊性病变的MRI影像学表现

目的：探讨鞍区囊性病变的MRI影像学表现,以提高对此类病变的诊断水平。方法：37例鞍区囊性病变包括垂体腺瘤囊变16例、囊性颅咽管瘤5例、Rathke＇s囊肿5例、表皮样囊肿3例、蛛网膜囊肿5例、垂体脓肿3例。所有病例均行MRI平扫,其中32例行增强扫描。结果：鞍区病变以垂体瘤囊变最常见,主要表现为T1WI低信号,T2WI高信号,囊壁强化;颅咽管瘤、Rathke＇s囊肿信号较复杂,与囊内容物有关;蛛网膜囊肿、表皮样囊肿显示为与脑脊液信号;垂体脓肿增强扫描囊壁呈明显环形强化。结论：鞍区不同囊性病变具有一定MRI表现特点,结合临床病史多数病变可做出正确诊断。