Neurofibroma CT

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Mohsin, M.D.[2] Shanshan Cen, M.D. [3]

CT scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of neurofibroma. Findings on CT scan suggestive of neurofibroma include a well-defined, round or oval hypodense, fusiform mass representing the nerve entering and exiting the tumor. Low attenuation is attributed to high lipid or water content within the mucinous matrix, entrapment of perineural adipose tissue and cystic degeneration.

• CT scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of neurofibroma.
• Findings on CT scan suggestive of neurofibroma include:^[1][2]
  • Well-defined, round or oval hypodense mass
  • Has an attenuation value of 20–25 HU on nonenhanced scans and 30–50 HU after contrast material administration
  • Best imaging features for diagnosis is a fusiform mass, which represents the nerve entering and exiting the tumor
  • Low attenuation is attributed to:
    • High lipid or water content within the mucinous matrix
    • Entrapment of perineural adipose tissue
    • Cystic degeneration (less often)

Template:WikiDoc Sources