Non-enhancing pilocytic astrocytoma of the spinal cord

Pediatr Radiol. 2006 Dec;36(12):1312-5. doi: 10.1007/s00247-006-0301-4. Epub 2006 Oct 5.

Abstract

Pilocytic astrocytomas are among the most common intramedullary spinal cord tumors in the pediatric age group. The presence of contrast enhancement is a major factor used to distinguish these tumors from other spinal cord lesions. We present a case of histologically proved non-enhancing intramedullary spinal cord pilocytic astrocytoma in a 12-year-old girl. This case represents an exception to the conventional wisdom that pediatric spinal neoplasms enhance with administration of intravenous contrast material.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arm / pathology
  • Astrocytoma / diagnosis*
  • Astrocytoma / surgery
  • Child
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gadolinium
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Muscular Atrophy / etiology
  • Spinal Cord / pathology*
  • Spinal Cord / surgery
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / surgery

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium