MRI diagnosis of spinal cord hemangioblastoma

Objective:To explore the MRI characteristics of hemangioblastoma of the spinal cord.Methods:MRI appearance of 12 spinal cord hemangioblastoma patients with surgically and pathologically proved were analyzed restrospectively.Results:In the 12 cases of spinal cord hemangioblastomas,3 case had multiple lesions,one patient also had intracranial hemangioblastoma.The lesions were located in cervical spinal cord in 7 cases,thoracic spinal cord 3 cases,cervical thoracic segement in 1 case,thoracic lumbar segement in 1 case.MRI appearance:the signal on T1WI of the tumors showed iso-hypointense in contrast to the normal spinal cord,higher intensity(n=1)than blood;and mixed hyper-hypointense signal on T2WI.After enhancement,nodular tumors showed marked enhancement with distinct border on T1WI.The blood flow-void-sign(n=11)within and around the masses was seen on T2WI or on contrast scans.There were secondary syringomyelia or cystic changes,above or below the tumor in 10 cases.Conclusion:MRI is an efficient method in the diagnosis of spinal cord hemangioblastoma.It plays an important role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of hemangioblastoma.