Infratentorial Multinodular and Vacuolating Neuronal Tumor or Multinodular and Vacuolating Posterior Fossa Lesions of Unknown Significance? Clinico-Radiologic Findings from 2 Cases.

BACKGROUND

Infratentorial multinodular lesions resembling multinodular and vacuolating neuronal tumor of the cerebrum (MVNT) have been indicated in literature with 2 different names reflecting alternative perspectives: multinodular and vacuolating posterior fossa lesions of unknown significance (MV-PLUS), suggesting that these lesions may belong to a new entity, and MVNT of the brain, assuming that they actually correspond to infratentorial MVNT. Because of the limited number of cases reported and the absence of histopathologic data, it is unclear which denomination should be used.

CASES DESCRIPTION: Two patients, a 41-year-old man (case 1) suffering headache and a 44-year-old man (case 2) with vertigo, underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. MRI showed, in both cases, multinodular lesions involving the vermis, broadly extending to the superior part of the right cerebellar hemisphere in case 1, and involving the superior paravermian part of the left cerebellar hemisphere in case 2. The follow-up period was 3 years in case 1 and 14 years in case 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Infratentorial lesions show nodules with cystic or cyst-like signal intensity on MRI, a feature infrequently reported in supratentorial MVNT, and may involve the cortex. No variations were noted during a prolonged follow-up supporting the benign behavior of these lesions.