Astrocytoma CT
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Astrocytoma CT On the Web |
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Astrocytoma CT |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ammu Susheela, M.D. [3]
Overview
CT findings
- A Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is necessary to characterize the anatomy of this tumor (size, location, consistency).
- CT will usually show distortion of third and lateral ventricles with displacement of anterior and middle cerebral arteries.
- During a CT scan, x rays of the patient's brain are taken from many different directions. These are then combined by a computer, producing a cross-sectional image of the brain.
Low grade infiltrative astrocytoma[2]
- Typically low grade infiltrating astrocytomas appear as isodense or hypodense regions of positive mass effect, often without any enhancement (in fact presence of enhancement would suggest high tumors), although particularly gemistocytic astrocytomas can demonstrates wispy enhancement.
- Calcification is not seldom (10-20% of cases)1 and may be related to oligodendroglial components (i.e oligoastrocytoma).
- Cystic or fluid attenuation components are also encountered, particularly in gemistocytic and protoplasmic varieties.
Anaplastic astrocytomas[3]
- CT appearances are intermediate, appearing as regions of low attenuation with positive mass effect. Enhancement is variable.