MR imaging features of spinal pilocytic astrocytoma

• DOI: 10.1186/s12880-018-0296-y
• Publication Date: 2019-01-14T14:04:46Z
• Authors: De-jun She; Yi-ping Lu; Ji Xiong; Dao-ying Geng; Bo Yin
• Keywords: Pilocytic astrocytoma

The purpose of this retrospective review is to determine the MR imaging features pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) in spinal cord help neuroradiologists preoperatively differentiate PA from other intramedullary tumors. Neuro-oncology database revealed 13 consecutive patients with a pathological diagnosis and availability preoperative imaging. Three had diffusion-weighted Demographics conventional diffusion records were retrospectively evaluated. Among cases PA, six PAs located cervical region, 4 cervical-thoracic 3 thoracic region. average length vertebral segments involved for tumors 4.7 ± 4.6 segments. Six associated syringomyelia. Eight eccentrically cord, eleven well-defined margins. (61.5%) intermixed cystic solid. All contrast-enhanced, 53.8% all showed focal nodule enhancement solid components. Two intratumoral hemorrhages, only one demonstrated cap sign. ADC values (n = 3) 1.40 0.28 × 10− mm2/s (min–max: 1.17–1.71 mm2/s). should be considered differential that occur regions. Eccentric growth pattern, margin, appearance, nodular components syringomyelia are relatively frequent features. Relatively high compared normal-appearing parenchyma common PA.