MRI findings of superficial siderosis of the central nervous system / 实用放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the MRI findings of superficial siderosis of the central nervous system(SSCNS)and to improve the understanding of SSCNS imaging features.Methods MRI images of 21 cases were retrospectively reviewed.MRI plain scan (T1WI,T2WI)and diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)were performed in all patients;T2* weighted angiography(SWAN)scan was performed in 8 patients.Results On T1WI of 21 cases,only 4 cases showed infratentorial superficial siderosis which appeared as linear hypointense signal in sulci cerebelli and around brainstem.On T2WI of 21 cases,18 cases presented with linear hypointense signal on cerebral surface.On DWI of 21 cases,20 cases showed linear hypointense signal on cerebral surface,and the other one case showing negative signal on DWI presented hypointense signal on SWAN.On SWAN of 8 cases,more lesions were found in more regions.Conclusion SSCNS has characteristic findings on MRI.SWAN is sensitive to superficial siderosis.MRI is a reliable method for the assessment of SSCNS.