Astrocytoma - spinal cord

Case contributed by Ammar Haouimi
Diagnosis probable

Presentation

Tetraparesis

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male
mri

The MRI sequences demonstrate an ill-defined eccentric intramedullary mass expanding the spinal cord from C2 to T1 (length of involvement is 7 vertebral body segments). It is of low signal intensity on T1WI, high signal intensity on T2WI, and STIR with areas of patchy enhancement on postcontrast sequences. No hemorrhagic component is seen.  No posterior vertebral body scalloping or thinning of the pedicles.

Case Discussion

MRI features of a spinal cord tumor probably an astrocytoma.

The main differential diagnosis is a spinal ependymoma which is 

  • more common in adults
  • scoliosis and bony remodeling are more common than astrocytoma
  • central location in the spinal canal
  • usually well-circumscribed
  • hemorrhage is common
  • focal, intense homogeneous following IV contrast

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.