Learning objectives
To describe the normal anatomy of the fourth (4th) ventricle
To classify common 4th ventricle masses according to the patient's age
To describe and illustrate the radiological features of 4th ventricle masses using a multimodality approach with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR)
To provide key points to facilitate the differential diagnosis of these lesions
Background
Fourth ventricle masses have a varied etiology,
so knowing the normal anatomy of the fourth ventricle and the patient's clinical history will help us to reduce the differential diagnosis.
Radiological findings play an important role in the diagnostic process,
for example to delimit the pathological process´s extension and to detect complications (such as hydrocephalus,
which is one of the most frequent complications in these masses).
Findings and procedure details
In this educational exhibit we classify common fourth ventricle masses according to the patient´s age.
But for a better understanding of the behavior of these lesions,
we must first know the anatomy of the fourth ventricle and its anatomical relationships,
so we will explain and illustrate them.
Subsequently,
we will describe and in most cases illustrate with CT and MR,
the typical radiological findings of each mass,
using in some masses advanced MRI features to get a better characterization.
Finally we will expose a clear...
Conclusion
Four ventricle masses encompass a diverse pathology.
It is the role of the radiologist to reduce the differential diagnosis,
by knowing the anatomy of the fourth ventricle and by correlating the radiological findings of each mass with the patient's clinical context,
especially with the age.
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Fourth ventricular subependymoma presenting as worsening...