MR findings of Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor

Shin, Joo Yong; Chang, Jong Wun; Joo, Yang Gu

Abstract

PURPOSE
Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) is a newly described, pathologically benign tumor arising within the supratentorial cortex. We reviewed the MR appearance of five patients with DNET, emphasizing the clinical and radiologic features.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
MR images in the five patients (three male and two female) with a history of epileptic seizure and pathologically-proven DNET were retrospectively reviewed. We analyzed the location, configuration, signal intensity, contrast enhancement, vasogenic edema and calcifications of these tomors.
RESULTS
The tumors were located mainly in the cortical to subcortical area with very little perifocal mass effect on MR imaging. They were essentially hypointense on T1-weighted imaging, and showed a hyperintense well circumscribed mass on T2-weighted imaging and a thick gyrus-like configuration was retained within the lesions. On contrast enhanced study, focal nodular enhancement was seen in one patient, and multifocal nodular enhancement in two.
CONCLUSION
DNET is rare benign tumor resulting in often medically intractable epileptic seizure and shows a characteristic gyriform configuration, well-described lobular tumor margins and sometimes multifocal nodular enhancement. These radiologic features may aid in differentiating DNET from ganglioglioma and other gliomas.