GLIOMATOSIS CEREBRI

PURPOSE: To characterize gliomatosis cerebri on computed tomographic ( CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR and CT studies of 22 patients with cerebral gliomatosis were reviewed retr ospectively. Tumor was confirmed with autopsy (n = 5) or biopsy. Distr ibution and extent of disease were assessed, and disease progression w as followed. RESULTS: Tumor involved at least two lobes of the brain i n all patients, with extension to the corpus callosum in 12, basal gan glia and thalamus in 17, brain stem in three, and cerebellum in two pa tients. Widespread invasion with hyperintensity was noted on proton-de nsity- and T2-weighted MR images. At CT, areas of hypo-or isoattenuati on were noted, and no contrast enhancement occurred. Extent of tumor w as greater on MR images than on concurrent CT scans in all patients. T he MR findings closely correlated with the autopsy findings. CONCLUSIO N: Gliomatosis cerebri is best detected with MR imaging. The pattern i s infiltrative with enlargement of cerebral structures.