Meningioma - Post-contrast CT scan

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Meningioma - Post-contrast CT scan

  • This axial CT slice shows a uniformly enhancing mass in the posterior fossa
  • The mass is closely applied to the meninges posteriorly
  • (Same patient as image below)

Meningioma - Post-contrast CT scan

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Meningioma - Post-contrast CT scan

  • (Same patient as image above)
  • A coronal image shows more clearly the close proximity of the enhancing mass to the meninges (falx and tentorium)

Clinical information

  • Postural headaches
  • Cerebellar signs - unsteadiness and nystagmus

Meningioma - pre-contrast v post-contrast

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Meningioma - pre-contrast v post-contrast

  • Before contrast is given this meningioma is barely visible
  • Post-contrast it enhances brightly and its location next to the meningeal surface (falx) is clearly seen
  • Cerebral oedema - black area next to the meningioma (asterisk) - is a finding often associated with a large meningioma

Clinical information

  • Headaches - worse in the morning
  • Loss of balance
  • Increasingly irritable
  • Increased tone on the right

Meningioma - calcified

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Meningioma - calcified

  • This meningioma is heavily calcified and so is dense enough to be visible pre-contrast
  • Calcification is a common finding in long-standing meningiomas

Clinical information

  • The CT scan was performed to investigate the cause of cognitive decline - see the white matter low density (asterisks) indicating chronic small vessel disease
  • The meningioma was asymptomatic

Page author: Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust UK (Read bio)

Last reviewed: November 2018