Imaging of intramedullary tumours of the spinal cord.

Abstract

Intramedullary tumours (IMTs) are the least common neoplasms of the spinal canal. The majority of them are ependymomas and astrocytomas, the third commonest is haemangioblastoma, while other tumours of the spinal cord are relatively rare. This review presents on update on the imaging of spinal cord tumours. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging method of choice in diagnosing IMTs, with other modalities playing a supplementary role. The authors discuss the MRI protocol in IMTs including advanced techniques and present the imaging features of particular tumours. The differentiation of IMTs from other spinal cord diseases is also presented.