MR imaging of intracranial solitary fibrous tumor: a retrospective study of 7 cases

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the MR imaging diagnostic features of intracranial solitary fibrous tumors (ISFTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients (mean age of 52.9 years; M:F=3:4) with histopathologically proven ISFTs were identified at our institute. Clinical presentations and pathological features were reviewed. MR Imaging findings including signal intensity, gadopentetate dimeglumine enhanced pattern, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) characterization of the tumors were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Six tumors showed a multi-lobular contour. Five tumors showed heterogeneous signal intensity, and two tumors showed homogeneous signal intensity on T1WI. Low signal intensity linear, curved or interlacing lines were observed within the tumors in all seven cases. Seven tumors demonstrated moderate or strong enhancement, six showed heterogeneous enhancement, and one homogenous enhancement. All tumors showed heterogeneous signal intensity on DWI.A ring-like high signal intensity band distributed around within the tumor was noted in six cases on DWI. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic evidence for ISFT on MR image includes heterogeneous signal intensity, intense enhancement of T2 signal intensity, low signal intensity lines within the tumor, heterogeneous signal intensity on DWI and a ring-like band around the tumor on DWI.