Intracranial meningeal melanocytoma: CT and MRI

C. J. Chen, Y. I. Hsu, Y. S. Ho, Y. H. Hsu, L. J. Wang, Y. C. Wong

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We report the MRI and CT findings of an intracranial meningeal melanocytoma (IMM) arising from Meckel's cave and review the imaging characteristics of IMM. On CT, IMM constantly appear as well-circumscribed, isodense to slightly dense, extra-axial tumours with homogeneous contrast enhancement. This appearance is nonspecific and similar to that of meningiomas or small neuromas. On MRI, the signal of IMM is strongly related to the amount of melanin pigment: the more melanin, the more shortening of T1 and T2 relaxation times. Only when it shows as a homogeneous mass, bright on T1 and dark on T2 weighting, can a specific diagnosis of a melanin-containing tumour be made. However, this still cannot provide a distinction between IMM and malignant meningeal melanoma.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)811-814
Number of pages4
JournalNeuroradiology
Volume39
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1997
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Computed tomography
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Meningeal melanocytoma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology

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