P. Sree Hari1, J. S. Aswini Jyothi2, Madhavi Thatipamula3
INTRODUCTION
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality used for the assessment of infratentorial neoplasms. Although Computed Tomography (CT) provides better demonstration of small or subtle calcifications within tumors.
OBJECTIVES
Study is done to assess the potential of MRI in characterisation of different tumors in posterior fossa by evaluating various unenhanced and gadolinium enhanced sequences and to compare high resolution FSE MRI sequences with routine FSE MRI sequences in diagnosing posterior fossa brain tumors. Also correlate findings on Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Pathological diagnosis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 52 patients were diagnosed by CT brain as having posterior fossa brain for a year of 2 years were included in the study. In all studies MR imaging was performed with a clinical 1.5 T system (General electrical medical systems). A dedicated phased-array coil was used.
RESULTS The age group ranged from 1 year to 60 years, majority were between 1 to 20 years (39%). Slight male preponderance was seen (males 29, females 23). Commonest tumor encountered in our study was vestibular schwannoma. DWI alone can differentiate different pediatric posterior fossa brain tumors. One case of pilocytic astrocytoma showed solid lesion instead of typical cystic lesion with mural nodule. One case AT-RT showed 2 lesions one in cerebrum, one in CP angle. Common feature being intra-axial lesion involving cerebellum. MRI was able to predict diagnosis in 50 of the 52 tumors.
CONCLUSION Magnetic Resonance Imaging was found to be a highly sensitive imaging procedure and method of choice for posterior fossa brain tumors.
