Presentation
Tetraparesis
Patient Data
Age: 30 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Astrocytoma - spinal cord
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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