[Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings in central neurocytoma].

PURPOSE: Analysis of our CT and MRI findings in patients with central neurocytomas in comparison with the relevant literature.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

5 patients were examined by CT and MRI. A retrospective analysis of the histologically confirmed tumors of our patient group and date from the literature was performed under the following criteria: 1. topography, 2. extent, 3. contrast medium behavior, 4. calcifications, 5. presence of intramural cysts, and 6. vascularization. These properties were evaluated according to a 5 point scale.

RESULTS

All tumors originated in the roof of a lateral ventricles with participation of the pellucid septum and extended intraventricularly (5/5), showed cystic components (5/5), and took up contrast medium (5/5). Contrast medium uptake was visible in both CT and MRI. In contrast, only three of the 5 tumors revealed calcifications (3/5) and these were better visible in CT than in MRI, no pathological vessels were detected. Because of its multi-planar representations and better soft-tissue contrast, MRI was superior to CT for the exact determination of origin and position of the tumors. The small cystic, inhomogenous appearance in T2-weighted images was considered to be an especially typical feature.

CONCLUSIONS

The typical appearance of central neurocytomas in CT and MRI provides information for the differential diagnosis from other intraventricular tumors. The definitive diagnosis is provided by neuropathological evaluation.