MRI Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of Hemangioblastomas

Objective To study the MRI manifestations of hemangioblastomas.Methods MRI data of 27 cases of hemangioblastomasproved by surgery and pathology were analyzed retrospectively.Results Hemangioblastomas were often located in hemispherium of cerebellum.All cases could be divided into three types : cyst-nodule type cyst-solid type and purely solid mass type.The large cyst and small nodule sign were characteristic manifestations of the cyst-nodule type,the signals of the fluid of the cyst were higher than that ofcerebrospinal fluid on MRI.The nodules or solid potions of the mass were showed as equal or slight long T_1 and slight long T_2 signalintensity,and were obviously enhanced.The blood vessel flow-void-sign around and inside the solid parts of the masses could be seen,and had a close relation with surrounding meninges.Conclusion MRI is a effective method in diagnosing hemangioblastomas,but the atypical cases should be differentiated from cystic astrocytoma,meningioma and metastesis.