Imaging diagnosis of subependymoma (analysis of three cases)

Objective: To study the CT and MR imaging features of subependymoma. Methods: The CT and MR findings of 3 cases of subependymoma pathologically proved were analyzed and correlated with operative and pathologic reports. Results: CT and MR appearances of subependymoma were as follows: (1) Subependymoma were rare and benign intraventricular tumors, which were often iso-dense or hypodense on unenhanced CT; Calcification and necrosis were not common. (2) They were isointense to hypointense relative to normal white matter in T1-weighted image and hyperintense in PD and T2-weighted image on MR, with micro-cystic structures and clear margins in the lateral ventricle. (3) No enhancement was found in all tumors both on enhanced CT and MR examinations. Conclusion: The CT and MR appearances of lateral ventricular subependymoma possess unique features which are very helpful in diagnosis of subependymoma