Radiographic features of intramedullary spinal cord tumors

MRI allows the detailed resolution of intramedullary spinal lesions, serving as a valuable tool for neurosurgeons contemplating Surgical intervention. MRI provides significant guidance as to whether a lesion is surgical or nonsurgical in nature and, for surgical lesions, crucial information for preoperative planning. Based on multiplanar imaging, information regarding the nature and presence of cysts and a central or eccentric location of the lesion allows optimal localization of the myelotomy. Despite its utility in preoperative planning, MRI does not allow the neuroradiologist to distinguish astrocytoma from ependymoma or other rare tumor types. Pending advances in technology, final diagnosis is still dependent on an open biopsy.