The MR diagnosis of spinal hemangioblastomas

Objective To evaluate the MR features of spinal hemangioblastomas. Methods Sixteen patients (6 male, 10 female, age ranged from 15 to 57, mean age 30.7) with histologically proven spinal hemangioblastomas were included in this study. Results Total 23 spinal hemangioblastomas were displayed by MR studies. The tumor frequently occurred in cervical cord (14/23), usually above C3 level (9/14). The tumor commonly involved the posterior aspect of the cord (16/23). The spinal hemangioblastoma usually showed iso hypointensity on T 1WI and hyperintensity on T 2WI. The extensive cord enlargement with cyst formation or syrinx was common. On unenhanced study, the tumor may be indistinguishable from cyst or syrinx. Flow void was shown in 9 patients, and in 8 tumors on the dorsal surface of the cord or tumor. On contrast study, all tumors showed marked homogeneous enhancement with clear borders. Conclusions The spinal hemangionblastomas usually present as multiple lesions with marked contrast enhancement. The extensive cord enlargement and flow void in the dosal part of the tumors are common in these patients. MR study, especially the contrast enhancement T 1WI, can clearly demonstrate the tumor.