MRI diagnosis and differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma

Objective To analyze MRI findings of primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL), and improve the accuracy of diagnosis. Methods MRI findings of 8 patients with primary central nervous system lympboma confirmed by operation and pathology were analyzed retrospectively. Results Seven patients with single lesion were found and 1 patient with multiple lesions. The lesions of 8 patients were all located at supratentoriai region. The signals of all lesions were homogeneous and similar to grey matter on both T1 and T2-weighted images. Slight para-tumorous edema was found in 4 patients, moderate edema in 3 patients and marked edema in 1 patient. Following Gd-DTPA administration, the lesions presented obviously mass-like or nodular enhancement. Conclusions Primary central nervous system lymphoma have typical MRI features. Misdiagnosis can be reduced greatly if enough attention is paid to the analysis of the MRI features. Key words: Central nervous system;  Lymphoma;  Magnetic resonance imaging