PET/MRI: Spinal Cord Deposits in Grade III Ependymoma

MRI is the imaging modality of choice for Craniospinal Axis evaluation. PET-MR is unmatched in matching malignancies involving the Brain and Spinal Cord Ependymomas, Medulloblastomas, and NETs which have a propensity for CSF dissemination.

Case Study: Recurrent spinal deposits in a case of Grade III ependymoma

Case History:

23 year old female is a known case of Grade III ependymoma. The patient was operated in May’12 following which RT and chemotherapy were given. PET MRI was done on 19/10/13 which revealed metabolically active deposits in the spine.

Sagittal post contrast MRI (top left and bottom left) reveals enhancing nodular deposits in the entire spinal canal FDG PET MR fused images reveal increased FDG uptake in the enhancing lesions suggesting drop metastasis. CSF was positive for malignant cells.

MRI is the imaging modality of choice for craniospinal axis. Twin investigations viz., FDG PET and MRI using simultaneous PET MR ( Biograph mMR) does a comprehensive evaluation of the entire craniospinal axis in the single examination and thereby increasing the sensitivity and specificity of either examination used alone.

Case Study Prepared by:

This short PET-MRI Scan case was compiled by Dr. Sangeeta Taneja and Dr. Amarnath Jena (Nuclear Medicine Physician at PET-Suite @ Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Sarita Vihar).

Read More about PET-MRI Scan at House Of Diagnostics in Delhi and NCR.

The Simultaneous PET-MRI Scan is currently offered at PET-Suite at Apollo Hospital, Sarita Vihar.