Imaging Findings of Pediatric Oligodendroglioma

Cheon, Jung Eun; Kim, In One; Kim, Woo Sun; Choi, Yun Sun; Han, Sang Wook; Yeon, Kyung Mo; Han, Man Chung

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to describe the imaging characteristics of oligodendroglioma in childhood.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eight CT scans and 12 MR images were retrospectively reviewed in 12 children (mean age, 9.5 years) with pathologically-proven oligodendroglioma. The most frequent symptoms were seizure and headache, with a mean duration before diagnosis of 21 months. Location, MR signal intensity, calcification,intratumoral hemorrhage, cystic change, peritumoral edema and contrast enhancement were retrospectively analyzed.
RESULTS
The supratentorial location was most frequent (9/12, 75%) and the majority of tumors were located peripherally or subcortically (7/9, 78%). On MR, most tumors demonstrated low signal intensity on T1WI and high signal intensity on T2WI ; cystic change was frequent (10/12, 83%). Tumor enhancement was seen in 60% of cases (6/10), with various enhancement patterns. Intratumoral hemorrhage was seen in two cases. On CT, the tumors were usually hypodense and calcification was noted in two cases (2/8, 25%). Peritumoral edema and mass effect of the tumor were seen in five (5/12,42%). Hydrocephalus was associated in two cases.
CONCLUSION
In childhood, most oligodendrogliomas demonstrate a peripherally located supratentorial mass, with frequent cystic change. Calcification or intratumoral hemorrhage were less frequent than in previously reported adult series.