Differentiating between Lymphoma and Metastasis Presenting as Solid Cerebellar Mass Lacking Necrosis

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to identify radiologic features that differentiate lymphoma from metastasis manifesting as a solid enhancing mass lacking necrosis in the cerebellum. Methods: Pathologically confirmed 24 primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and 32 metastasis patients with solid enhancing cerebellar masses without necrotic or hemorrhagic components were retrospectively analyzed. We evaluated the imaging characteristics using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The serrate sign was defined as a tumor spreading along white matter with branch-like enhancement or outward spikes. Results: The serrate sign was exclusively identified in the PCNSL group, showing a significant difference compared to the metastasis group (75.0% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). Homogeneous enhancement occurred more frequently in PCNSL than in metastasis (91.7% vs. 21.9%, p < 0.001). Conversely, bulging contour (62.5% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001) and surface involvement (71.9% vs. 29.2%, p = 0.003) were more prevalent in metastasis than PCNSL. For predicting PCNSL, the serrate sign demonstrated 75.0% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, 84.2% negative predictive value, and 89.3% accuracy. Conclusions: This study found that the serrate sign and homogeneous enhancement are reliable MRI features for differentiating cerebellar PCNSL from metastasis, whereas a bulging contour and surface involvement suggest metastasis. The serrate sign demonstrated diagnostic significance in differentiating PCNSL from metastasis.