Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging manifestations of ependymoblastomas in infants

Abstract

Objective To investigate the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of ependymoblastoma in infants and children in order to improve the understanding of the disease. Methods The clinical, pathological and imaging data from 5 children with ependymoblastoma confirmed by surgery and pathology in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2008 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All the 5 patients received MRI plain scan and contrast-enhanced scan before surgery, and 2 of them received CT plain scan before surgery. Results All the 5 patients were infants aged less than 5 years old. All the tumors were solitary and closely related to the ependyma (4 cases were located in the ventricle and 1 case was adjacent to the brain parenchyma). They were mainly solid and rich in blood supply. T1WI, T2WI and T2dark fluid were all dominated by equal or slightly longer T1 and slightly longer T2 signals. Diffusion weighted imaging showed mild to moderate high signals, while apparent diffusion coefficient showed the corresponding low signals.The tumor was significantly enhanced on contrast-enhanced MRI scans, and there was no enhancement in the necrotic area. Conclusions Infantile ependymoblastoma is a solid tumor with rich blood supply, mostly located in the ependyma. CT and MRI can accurately show tumor’s location, range and blood supply, with certain characteristics. Qualitative diagnosis requires pathological examination. Key words: Ependymoblastoma; Tomography, X-ray computed; Magnetic resonance imaging