The imaging analysis of intracranial malignant teratoma

Objective: To analyse the imaging characters of intracranial malignant teratoma (IMT). Methods: The imaging appearances of IMT were analyzed in 15 pathologically proved IMT. MRI were performed on all the 15 cases, CT on 8 of them. Results: Thirteen IMT showed as a lobular cyst-solid mass with clear borders. The solid portion of IMT displayed iso-(6/13) to hypointense (7/13) on T1WI and iso-(2/13) to hyperintense (11/13) on T2WI. The heterogeneous enhancement was found in 11 cases, homogeneous in 2. Two IMT exhibited as the intrasellar solid lesions involving thalamencephalon. Calcification was found in 8 IMT on CT scan. No fat was demonstrated in the tumor on both CT and MR. Conclusion: IMT displays relatively typical appearances on imaging studies. Together with the CT scan. The MR study may make the diagnosis before the operation