Research

Radiological Evaluation of Intracranial Ependymoma

RaviShankar Prasad, Kulwant Singh and Vivek Sharma
World Journal of Medical Research 2013, 2:3

Abstract

Introduction

Ependymomas are infrequently seen tumours that have been defined as neoplasms arising from ependymal cells lining the ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord.

Material and method

This is a retrospective study conducted at Department of Neurosurgery, Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi from August 2007 to December 2012. The diagnosis was made with CT scan and/or MRI brain and confirmed histologically. CT or MRI was also evaluated for contrast enhancement and associated hydrocephalus.

Results

Ependymomas constitutes 5.6% of total intracranial tumours. 81 patients were diagnosed as ependymoma based on CT scan or MRI but only 63 patients were histologically proved to be cases of ependymoma. CT scan showed low density tumours in fifty one cases; only one tumour was somewhat of high density. Tumour was hypo intense in T1 and hyper intense in T2 in all the 11 cases. Eighty one percent of tumours were homogenously enhancing and only 19% showed heterogeneous enhancement. Hydrocephalus was present in 63.5% patients. Calcification was seen in 25.4% patients.

Conclusion

Intracranial ependymoma constitute a significant proportion among brain tumours. CT scan and/or MRI are required for early detection and better management.

Introduction

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