MRI diagnosis of endothelial cyst of spinal canal

Objective To evaluate the MRI appearances of endothelial cyst of the spinal canal, as well as the MRI diagnostic value. Methods The clinical datas of 15 cases of surgico-pathologically proved endothelial cyst of the spinal canal were reviewed. All cases made MRI examinations that were performed on Siemens 3.0T(Trio Tim).Four cases had undergone the head and whole spine MRI scan, 5 cases with the whole spine MRI, 3 cases with the lumbar spine MRI, 1 case with the head, thoracic and lumbar spine MRI, 1 case with the head and lumbar spine MRI, as well as 1 case with the thoracic and lumbar spine MRI. Results Among the 15 cases,lesions showed stratification (8 cases),the spinal canal expand (6 cases). All lesions showed heterogeneous signal intensity. Heterogeneous high signal on T1WI(12 cases), inhomogeneous low signal or equal signal intensity(3 cases), Heterogeneous high signal on T2WI(13 cases),inhomogeneous low signal on T2WI(3 cases), all cases showed low signal or equal signal on FS Conclusions The MRI appearances and the site of endothelial cyst is characteristic. MRI can provide a good location, diagnosis for spinal endothelial cysts. Key words: Dermoid cyst;  MRI;  Spinal