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MRI features of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors in children

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Abstract

Background

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) are rare, highly malignant tumors of the central nervous system, usually occurring in young children.

Objective

To investigate the MRI features of AT/RT, with special emphasis on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS).

Materials and methods

MRI findings of 11 children with AT/RT were reviewed retrospectively, including DWI in 9 AT/RT children and MRS in 6 children.

Results

The neoplasms were infratentorial in 4 children and supratentorial in 5 children, both infra- and supratentorial in 1 child and multifocal in 1 child. AT/RT produced heterogeneous signal intensity from peripheral cysts in 7/11 (63%) and hemorrhage in 7/11 (63%). All lesions showed contrast enhancement of varying degrees. Seven (63%) had peritumoral edema. Nine (82%) were hyperintense on DWI with a mean ± SD ADC of 0.60 ± 0.13 × 10−3 mm2 s−1. Six lesions (55%) exhibited elevated levels of choline and decreased NAA, and three had lipid peaks.

Conclusions

A childhood intracranial tumor with off-midline location, peripheral cystic components, hemorrhage, low ADC, and lipid peaks on MRS suggests AT/RT to be considered a differential diagnosis.

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the technical assistance of H. R. Gong and Y. Feng in the preparation of the images.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Rd., Shanghai, 200040, People’s Republic of China

    Biao Jin & Xiao Yuan Feng

  2. Department of Radiology, XinHua Hospital (Chongming Branch), Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 25 Nanmen Rd., Shanghai 202150, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

    Biao Jin

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  1. Biao Jin
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  2. Xiao Yuan Feng
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Correspondence to Xiao Yuan Feng.

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Jin, B., Feng, X.Y. MRI features of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors in children. Pediatr Radiol 43, 1001–1008 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-013-2646-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-013-2646-9

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