MRI Features of Benign Cerebellar Astrocytomas in Children

Abstract

We document the MR imaging characteristics of benign cerebellar astrocytomas (BCAs) in children that aid differential diagnosis and surgical planning. The twelve patients ranged in age from two to 16 years (average age ten years). Of 12 tumors, seven were located in the cerebellar hemisphere, four in the vermis, and one in the IV ventricle. All children suffered from hydrocephalus rated as extensive (n = 9) or moderate (n = 3). The tumors ranged in diameter from 23 mm to 68 mm, mean diameter 42 mm. Solid tumors were found in five children, and cystic areas occurred in seven out of 12 patients. Most BCAs were hypointense on T1-weighted scans and hyperintense on T2WI compared with normal brain parenchyma. After contrast injection, BCAs may demonstrate marked (n = 2), moderate (n = 5), or absent (n = 5) enhancement. Hemorrhage and calcification are not common (n = 1, 0, respectively).