Diagnostic Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Detection of Intraventricular Ependymomas

Abstract

Objective:  To determine the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of intra-ventricular ependymomas taking histopathology as Gold Standard.

Study Design:  Cross Sectional Survey.

Place and Duration of Study:  Department of Diag-nostic Radiology, Lahore General Hospital (LGH), La-hore, from November 02, 2010 to May 05, 2011.

Materials and Methods:  This study comprised of hundred patients with clinical suspicion of intraventri-cular ependymomas. Magnetic resonance imaging on a 1.5-T Philips whole body magnetic resonance system was performed. The cases were operated and histopa-thological results were recorded. The results of mag-netic resonance imaging and histopathology were co-mpared taking histopathology as gold standard.

Results:  Out of 100 patients, 70 patients (70%) had inraventricular ependymoma, out of which 28 patients (40%) had supratentorial ependymoma and 42 patients (60%) had an infratentorial ependymoma on magnetic resonance imaging. Out of 70 intraventricular ependy-momas. 27 tumors (38.57%) were located in the lateral ventricle. 01 tumor (1.42%) was in third ventricle and 42 tumors (60%) were in fourth ventricle. After com-parison of results of magnetic resonance imaging with histopathology, the sensitivity and specificity. Positive predictive value, negative predictive Value diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging were 93.2%, 96.1,% 94%, 98.5% and 83.3% respectively.

Conclusion:  Magnetic resonance imaging is a highly accurate, non invasive, safe and convenient imaging modality for the evaluation of intraventricular ependy-momas and is valuable for early detection and plan-ning management so that the radical resection of this complex and complicated tumor can be highly succes-sful.

Key Words:  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Intraventricular ependymoma, Supratentorial Ependy-moma.