Posterior fossa solid hemangioblastomas:MRI diagnosis and surgical treatment

Objective To investigate the characteristic appearances of MRI and surgical treatment of the posterior fossa solid hemangioblastomas ( PFSHs) ,in order to improve the diagnosis ability and surgical efficacy for this disease.Methods The MRI findings of 5 patients verified by surgery and pathology were analyzed retrospectively.Results Preoperative MRI showed the tumors were round or pararound in shape,slight hypointense or isointense on T1WI ,and slightly hyperintense on T2WI. Unusual enlarged vascular flow void signals could be seen within or around the tumors. During the operation,the tumor were found to be highly vascular lesions,with draining veins aggregating on the surface and supplying artery located at the deep part and bilateral side. The tumor was composed of capillaries and blood sinusoid seen on pathological section.Conclusion MRI findings of posterior fossa hemangioblastomas are characteristic and the disease can be preoperatively diagnosed. The application of special microsurgical technique and improvement of operative manipulation can improve the surgical efficacy.