Neuroimaging of pediatric posterior fossa tumors including review of the literature

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2012 Jan;35(1):32-47. doi: 10.1002/jmri.22722. Epub 2011 Oct 11.

Abstract

Conventional, anatomical MRI is an essential tool for diagnosis and evaluation of location, quality, and extent of posterior fossa tumors, but offers limited information regarding tumor grade and type. Advanced MRI techniques such as diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may improve the specific diagnosis of brain tumors in the posterior fossa in children. In this review the conventional neuroimaging findings, as well as the DWI, and DTI characteristics of common pediatric posterior fossa tumors are discussed and summarized.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytoma / diagnosis
  • Astrocytoma / pathology
  • Brain Stem / pathology
  • Cranial Fossa, Posterior / pathology*
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging / methods
  • Ependymoma / diagnosis
  • Ependymoma / pathology
  • Glioma / diagnosis
  • Glioma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infratentorial Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Infratentorial Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Medulla Oblongata / pathology
  • Medulloblastoma / diagnosis
  • Medulloblastoma / pathology
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skull Base Neoplasms / pathology*