Medulloblastoma with Atypical Dynamic Imaging Changes: Case Report with Literature Review

World Neurosurg. 2017 Sep:105:1036.e1-1036.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.06.058. Epub 2017 Jun 16.

Abstract

Objective: We analyzed a case of medulloblastoma with atypical dynamic imaging changes retrospectively to summarize the atypical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of medulloblastoma by reviewing the literature.

Methods: An atypical case of medulloblastoma in the cerebellar hemisphere confirmed by pathology was analyzed retrospectively, and the literature about it was reviewed.

Results: The radiologic findings of the patient were based on 3 examinations. The first examination showed that the cortex of the bilateral cerebellar hemisphere had diffuse nodular thickening, with a high signal on diffusion-weighted imaging and significant enhancement. Contrast enhancement MRI 1 year later showed the signal of cerebellar hemisphere returned to normal but revealed an enhanced nodule. A reexamination 6 months later showed an irregular mass with a high-density shadow in the cerebellar vermis on CT scan. The T2-weighted image revealed multiple degenerative cysts, and the mass had significant enhancement.

Conclusion: The radiologic characteristics of atypical medulloblastomas vary in adults and children. Understanding the radiologic characteristics of medulloblastomas, such as MRI features, age of onset, and location of atypical medulloblastomas, can help improve the diagnosis of medulloblastomas.

Keywords: Atypical; Magnetic resonance imaging; Medulloblastoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cerebellum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Medulloblastoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Medulloblastoma / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed