MR evaluation of spinal cord ependymomas

Objective To evalute the magnetic resonance(MR)imaging features of intramedullary ependymomas.Methods The clinical and MR imaging materials of 15patients with spinal cord ependymomas confirmed by operation and pathology were reviewed.Results Among 15cases of ependymomas,12were cervical and 1thoracic,and 2lumbar.All tumors were located centrically in the spinal cord,with a mean length of 2.1along the neuraxis.Clear tumor margins were seen in 13ependymomas.Most of tumors were isointensity or mixed intensity on T1WI and hyperintensity or mixed intensity on T2WI.Rostral and/or caudal cysts were seen in 10ependymomas,intratumoral cysts were found in 4tumors.Intratumoral hemorrhage was shown in 2tumors.Cap signwas seen in 2tumors.7of 15ependymomas had uniform contrast enhancement.Conclusion Central locations,clear tumor margins,and more uniform enhancement can help differentiate ependymomas from other intramedullary spinal cord tumors.