Case 5: Question 5
CASE 5: Explanation of Imaging Findings
MRI without and with contrast
A brain MRI without and with contrast was performed. Select images are shown.
Questions
1. What are the above sequences?
2. Where is the abnormality located?
3. Describe the abnormality using appropriate terminology.
4. Why are the lateral ventricles enlarged?
5. What is the differential diagnosis for this abnormality?
- Given the solid component within the lesion, this likely represents a tumor. The three most common tumors to occur within the posterior fossa in children are pilocytic astroctyoma, medulloblastom and ependymoma.
- The solid and cystic features of this tumor are most suggestive of a pilocytic astrocytoma, which has the best prognosis of the three pediatric posterior fossa neoplasms.
6. Is this an example of communicating or non-communicating hydrocephalus?