Cerbellum hemangioblastoma diagnosis by Magnetic resonance imaging

Objective: Studying MR findings of cerebellar hemangioblastoma to improve the correct rate of diagnosis before operation.Methods: 55 cases of cerebellar hemangioblastoma underwent MRI and were proved by pathology.Plain MR scan and enhanced MR scan and fluid attenuated inversion recovery(FLAIR) were performed in all cases.Results: 20 cases located in right cerebellar hemisphere,22 in left cerebellar hemisphere,10 in cerebellar vermis,3 in tonsil of cerebellum.Viable part of the lesions displayed hyper-intensity on FLAIR and T2WI and could be significantly enhanced;the cyst part displayed an even hypo-intensity on T1WI,and nodules on the cyst manifested a slight hypo-intensity or iso-intensity.On MRI,38(69.1%) were cystic type,and 17(30.9%)were solid.Conclusion: The occurrence of cerebellar hemangioblastoma has predilection for certain locations.MRI is a good method for diagnosing cerebellar hemangioblastoma.Enhanced MRI has a great value.Understanding fully the different performance of cerebellar hemangioblastoma is important to improve the correct rate of diagnosis before operation.