Atypical CT and MRI aspects of an epidermoid cyst

J Neuroradiol. 2007 May;34(2):129-32. doi: 10.1016/j.neurad.2007.01.126.

Abstract

We report a case of an unusual epidermoid cyst (EC) of the cerebellopontine angle that appeared hyperdense on computed tomography (CT) scanning, hyperintense on T1-weighted MR images and hypointense on T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images. Diffusion-weighted imaging showed a hypointense lesion. We discuss imaging characteristics of ECs, explain the atypical findings in our case and confirm that the signal seen on diffusion-weighted images in the EC is related to a T2 effect.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Diseases / pathology*
  • Cerebellopontine Angle / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebellopontine Angle / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Epidermal Cyst / diagnostic imaging*
  • Epidermal Cyst / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*