Diagnosing Neoplastic Hematoma: Role of MR Perfusion.

BACKGROUND: The imaging appearance of neoplastic hematoma can be complicated by the presence of a large hematoma, even on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We describe the role of MR perfusion (MRP) in detecting neoplastic hematomas in patients with intraparenchymal hematoma (IPH).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for consecutive patients with IPH, where MRP was performed. Routine, post-gadolinium MRI and MRP were analyzed. All patients were either operated on for evacuation of IPH or followed up on imaging. The MRP parameters of cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) and pattern of enhancement (peripheral linear vs. nodular) were recorded. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated for these parameters for diagnosing neoplastic hematoma.

RESULTS: Of 116 patients with MRP, 16 patients (male 8; mean age-65.5 years) had IPH on their initial MRI. For diagnosing neoplastic hematoma, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for increased CBF and CBV were 100%, 88.9%, 87.5%, and 100%; for peripheral linear enhancement were 100%, 28.6%, 50%, 100% and for nodular enhancement were 85.7%, 77.8%, 75% and 12.5%, respectively. The combination of peripheral linear enhancement and increased CBF and CBV showed 100% sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV.

CONCLUSION: In our small series, the combination of peripheral linear enhancement and increased CBF and CBV showed 100% sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for diagnosing a neoplastic hematoma. These findings need to be validated in a larger study.