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Child's Nervous System
Published in: Child's Nervous System 9/2008

01-09-2008 | Original Paper

Midline medulloblastoma versus astrocytoma: the position of the superior medullary velum as a sign for diagnosis

Authors: Guido Trasimeni, Jacopo Lenzi, Claudio Di Biasi, Giulio Anichini, Maurizio Salvati, Antonino Raco

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 9/2008

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Abstract

Purpose

We wish to describe the position of the superior medullary velum (SMV) in midline posterior fossa tumours as a sign in helping to distinguish between midline medulloblastoma and midline astrocytoma.

Material and methods

Sagittal T1-weighted MRI images of 21 consecutive patients with histologically documented posterior fossa midline astrocytomas (nine cases) and medulloblastomas (12 cases) were reviewed, with respect to the position of the velum medullare superius.

Results

In all medulloblastomas the SMV was superiorly dislocated; in eight astrocytomas it was anteriorly and/or inferiorly disclocated; only in one astrocytoma the SMV presented upward dislocation.

Conclusion

In the differential diagnosis between medulloblastoma and astrocytoma the upward dislocation of the SMV is strongly suggestive of medulloblastoma.
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Metadata
Title
Midline medulloblastoma versus astrocytoma: the position of the superior medullary velum as a sign for diagnosis
Authors
Guido Trasimeni
Jacopo Lenzi
Claudio Di Biasi
Giulio Anichini
Maurizio Salvati
Antonino Raco
Publication date
01-09-2008
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Child's Nervous System / Issue 9/2008
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-008-0635-3

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