Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma of the brain: MR findings in six patients.

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is a rare, usually benign brain tumor. This pleomorphic supratentorial tumor involves the leptomeninges and superficial cortex in young patients with seizures. The MR imaging features of this distinct tumor have not been reported. We describe the MR imaging findings in six patients with pathologically proved pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma.We retrospectively reviewed the MR images of six patients with pathologically proved pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma. MR images were reviewed by two neuroradiologists. The pathologic slides of the tumors were reviewed by two neuropathologists. We also analyzed the patients' clinical features.Most of the tumors were cortical based and isointense with gray matter on T1-weighted images and mildly hyperintense on T2-weighted images. All the masses enhanced with contrast material. Cystic components and gyriform and leptomeningeal enhancement were seen occasionally. The tumors occurred in the temporal lobes in four of the six patients. Three patients...