GANGLIOGLIOMA

Imaging

Imaging for optimized detection of ganglioglioma:

MRI should include thin slice volumetric T1-weighted images, axial and coronal T2-weighted and FLAIR images.

Imaging characteristics of ganglioglioma:

The appearance of a ganglioglioma can vary due to variable growth patterns, but may include:

• Either a partly cystic abnormality, with an enhancing mural nodule or a solely solid abnormality (which may expand an overlying gyrus)
• Solid components that are iso- or hypointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images
• Solid components that enhance commonly (~50%)
• Areas of calcification, that are commonly seen (>30%, seen on CT or T2* weighted MR imaging)
• Scalloping of the inner table of overlying skull bone, without actual skull bone erosion
• A distinct absence of peritumoral edema (on T2-weighted images/FLAIR)

Gangliogliomas can co-occur with focal cortical dysplasia and/or with hippocampal sclerosis.

Imaging of a ganglioglioma

The images show a CT, T2-weighted and FLAIR image of a ganglioglioma, with a cystic component and an enhancing mural nodule, seen on the contrast CT image.