MRI characteristics and resectability in spinal cord glioma

Abstract Objective The histopathology of intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCT) can be suspected from the MRI features and characteristics. Ultimately, the confirmation of diagnosis requires surgery. This retrospective study addresses MRI features including homogeneity of enhancement, margination, and associated syrinx in intramedullary astrocytomas (IMA) and ependymomas (IME) that assist in diagnosis and predict resectability of these tumors. Methods Single-center retrospective analysis of IMA and IME cases since 2005 extracted from the departmental registry/electronic medical records post IRB approval (IRB 201710760). We compared imaging findings (enhancement, margination, homogeneity, and associated syrinxes) between tumor types and examined patient outcomes. Results There were 18 IME and 21 IMA. On preoperative MRI, IME was favored to have homogenous enhancement (OR 1.8, p = 0.0001), well-marginated (p  Conclusion The imaging characteristics of IME and IMA have meaningful clinical significance. Homogeneity, margination, and associated syrinxes in IME can predict resectability and complexity of surgery.