Neuroroentgenologic diagnosis of epidermoid and dermoid tumors with intracranial and intraspinal localization

The value and the possibilities of several X-ray diagnostic methods and the pathologic lesions detected by them in 15 patients with intracranial and intraspinal epidermoid and dermoid tumors have been analysed. Computerized tomography (CT) is considered as a basic and highly effective method for diagnosis of tumors with intracranial localization. The most important CT symptoms were: well outlined low density zones (CSF equivalent in the epidermoids and lipid equivalent in the dermoids), dislocation, peripheral calcificates in dermoids, absence of intravenous contrast intensification. Pneumocysternal CT of epidermoids located in pars petrosa helps to evaluate tumor expansion in cisterna pontis lateralis. The use of brain angiography should be limited because of inability to provide specific diagnostic information. CT myelography following conventional myelography with water soluble contrast nonionizing compounds, in addition to its ability to define the exact localization of the process, essentially contributes to the preoperative specific diagnosis of epidermoid and dermoid tumors with intraspinal localization. 5 figs., 1 tab., 16 refs