CT and MR Findings of Supratentorial Pilocytic Astrocytoma.
10.3348/jkrs.1994.31.2.217
- Author:
Dong Ik KIM
;
Eun Kyung KIM
;
Tae Sub CHUNG
;
Jung Ho SUH
- Publication Type:Original Article
- MeSH:
Astrocytoma*;
Cerebellum;
Cerebrum;
Diagnosis;
Edema;
Frontal Lobe;
Humans;
Necrosis;
Optic Chiasm;
Retrospective Studies;
Thalamus;
Third Ventricle
- From:Journal of the Korean Radiological Society
1994;31(2):217-222
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Pilocytic astrocytoma is a benign tumor predominantly arising from cerebellum in pediatric age. But it occasionally arises in supratentorium. We describe radiologic findings of supratentorial pilocytic astrocytoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven CT and 7 MR examinations in 11 patients were retrospectively reviewed with attention to location, CT density, MR signal intensity, and degree and pattern of contrast enhancement on CT and MR. RESULTS: The tumors were located around the third ventricle (hypothalamus in three cases, optic chiasm in three cases) and in cerebral hemisphere (temporal lobe in three cases, frontal lobe in one case, thalamus in one case). On CT, the tumors were all sharply demarcated and rarely associated with edema. The tumors showed moderate to strong contrast enhancement. Necrosis appeared frequently in tumors around the third ventricle in contrast to frequent cyst formation in hemispheric masses. On MR, the tumors appeared hypo- or isointense on T1- weighted images and hyperintense on T2- weighted images. After administration of contrast agent, the tumors showed intense enhancement more than that of CT. CONCLUSION: The typical location and radiologic findings described above are helpful in the diagnosis of the supratentorial pilocytic astrocytoma.
