MR Imaging Study of Spinal Hemangioblastoma

Objective To study the MRI findings of spinal hemangioblastomas.Methods The MRI findings of spinal hemangioblastomas proved pathologically in 29 cases (20 males,9 females) were retrospectively reviewed.Results The lesions were single in 12 cases (41.4%) and multiple in 17 cases(58.6%).Seven patients combined with intracranial hemangioblastomas.On unenhanced MRI,36 tumors were isointense on T 1WI and T 2WI,16 were mixed iso-hypointense on T 1WI and mixed iso-hyperintense on T 2WI,one was hypointense on T 1WI and hyperintense on T 2WI.Small hemangioblastomas tended to be isointense on T 1WI and T 2WI.After contrast injection,all tumors enhanced markedly and homogenously with clear borders.21 tumors in 17 patients had associated vascular flow voids on T 2WI.40 tumors in 27 patients were associated with syringes or cysts.Conclusion Hemangioblastomas of the spinal cord are often multiple and in company with intracranial hemangioblastomas.The marked contrast enhancements with clear borders and associated vascular flow voids are the most important signs on MRI.