Magnetic resonance imaging manifestations of spinal cord ependymomas

Objective To study the MR imaging features of intramedullary spinal cord ependymomas.Methods 13 cases of ependymomas histologically confirmed were retrospectively reviewed in terms of location,signal intensity,enhancement pattern as well as the presence or absence of cyst,hemorrhage andcap sign,intervertebral foramina dilatation on MR imaging.Results Six tumors were cervical,3 were thoracic,and 4 were conus medullaris and filum ferminale.Tumors were iso-or hypointense on T1WI and were hyperintense or heterogeneously hyperintense on T2WI.Nine cases of ependymomas were associated with cysts.Intratumoral hemorrhage occurred in 3 cases of spinal ependymomas.Cap sign was seen in 2 cases of tumors on T2WI.Two cases of ependymomas were seen with intervertebral foramina dilatation.All patients received contrast material and tumors were enhanced by contrast material(mild enhancement in 1 case,moderate enhancement in 3,obvious enhancement in 9) and 11 lesions had well-defined margins.Conclusion Spinal cord ependymomas have certain MR features,which are very helpful to make correct preoperative diagnosis.