MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF SKULL BASE LESIONS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of 55 lesions involving the skull base were reviewed. Lesions of intra-axial origin were not considered. The MRI utility in the extension and possible characterization of the skull base lesions is evaluated. The majority of the tumors had relaxation times prolongated but the tumors of fibro-osseous origin had a low signal intensity on T1 and T2 weighted images. The lesions had not or minimum brain edema, being the alterations of the brain parenchyma easily detected but differentiation between perilesional edema and invasion was not always possible. MRI with multiplanar capability enables a detailed analysis of the tumor contour, intensity behavior, extension evaluation associated with clinical findings allowed further refinement of the differential diagnosis.