Imaging findings of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas
CHEN Xiao-dong1, LIU Han-qiu2, LU Jian1, MIAO Xiao-fen1, ZHANG Xue-qin1, LIANG Hong-wei1, ZHANG Tao1, CHENG Bin1, JIANG Ji-feng1
1. Department of Radiology, the Third People’s Hospital of Nantong, Nantong Jiangsu 226006, China;2. Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
Abstract:Objective: To investigate the imaging features of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma(PXA). Methods: A retrospective study was based on 12 cases of PXA proved by operation and pathology. Ten cases only underwent MRI scanning, 2 cases underwent both CT and MRI scanning. Results: Thirteen lesions were detected in the 12 cases. Six lesions located in the temporal lobe, 4 lesions mainly located in the temporal lobe but involving multiple cerebral lobes, 2 lesions were in the insular lobe and 1 lesion in the frontal lobe. Thirteen lesions could be divided into 3 types of imaging findings: cystic-solid lesion(n=5), cystic lesion with nodule(n=6) and solid nodule(n=2). The solid components and mural nodules enhanced intensely. All the cyst walls had no enhancement in the 5 cystic lesions with nodule. The cerebral piamater closed to the lesion was enhanced in 2 cases. One lesion showed calcification. The apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) values of solid portions were higher than contralateral tissue. ADC values and relative apparent diffusion coefficient(rADC) values of 2 cases of WHO Ⅲ were obviously lower than 4 cases of WHO Ⅱ. Cho peak ascended and NAA peak declined, with the Cho/NAA values of 0.84 and 1.06 respectively on 1H-MRS of 2 cases. Lac peak was detected in 1 case. Conclusion: There are some imaging characteristics in PXA. Recognizing these characteristics with multi-functional imaging technology of MRI is helpful to improve accuracy of diagnosis.