MR findings of spinal hemangioblastoma

Objective:The purpose of this study was to elucidate MR features of intraspinal hemangioblastoma so as to improve accuracy of diagnosis.Methods:MR findings of 8 patients with intraspinal hemangioblastoma confirmed histopathologically were analyzed retrospectively.All of patients underwent routine enhanced MR scan.Results:There were 4 cases with solitary tumor and 4 cases with multiple tumors.A total of 13 intraspinal hemangioblastomas were located intramedullary,6 tumors at cervical segment,6 at thoracic segment,and 1 at lumbosacral segment.There were 12 tumors accompanied with syringomyelia or spinal cord edema.According to MR characterics tumors were divided into two types:cyst-nodule type(4 cases) and solid type(9 cases).The characteristic manifestations of cyst-nodule type were the big sac containing small nodules.The signals of cyst were hypointense on T_1WI and hyperintense on T_2WI.The signals of nodules(except for 1 case) were isointense or slight hypointense on T_1WI and hyperintense on T_2WI just similar to solid lesions.After contrast injection,all tumors showed obviously nodular and long-lasting enhancement,and flow-void phenomenon of vessels could be found clearly in 9 cases.Conclusion:MRI is a important tool in localization and characterization of intraspinal hemangioblastoma.