Medulloblastoma MRI

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Haytham Allaham, M.D. [2]

Overview

Brain MRI with gadolinium based contrast is the investigation of choice for the diagnosis of medulloblastoma. On a T1 weighted brain MRI image, medulloblastoma is characterized by a hypointense mass located at the posterior cerebral fossa that may demonstrate calcification and necrosis.^[1]

MRI

Brain MRI with gadolinium based contrast is the investigation of choice for the diagnosis of medulloblastoma.^[1]
On brain MRI, medulloblastoma is characterized by a mass located at the posterior cerebral fossa.
MRI image characteristics observed among medulloblastoma patients include:

T1 weighted image demonstrates:

Hypointense mass

T1 weighted image with gadolinium contrast demonstrates:

Heterogeneous enhancement in 90% of the cases

T2 weighted image demonstrates:

Heterogeneous/hyperintense enhancement due to calcification, necrosis, and cyst formation

FLAIR MRI image demonstrates:^[2]

Localized areas of isointensity or hypointensity
Radiating star-shaped enhancement
Multiple nodular enhancing pattern

Gadolinium based contrast MRI imaging of the whole central nervous system is recommended to identify any drop metastases and leptomeningeal seeding.^[1]

For magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy of medulloblastoma please click here.