Signal intensity of brain metastases on T2-weighted images: specificity for metastases from colonic cancers

Neurochirurgia (Stuttg). 1993 Sep;36(5):151-5. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1053817.

Abstract

In this report, we present and discuss the signal intensity of brain metastases from colon cancer on both T1- and T2-weighted images. In five of 6 cases, metastases were seen as markedly hypointense areas on T2-weighted images. This finding should alert one to the possibility of a primary cancer of the colon. Some haemorrhagic metastases from other malignancies also showed marked hypointensity. They usually exhibited hyperintensity on T1-weighted images. A case of colon metastasis was also haemorrhagic, and in this case a hyperintense area was observed on T1-weighted images. The marked hypointense area corresponded to peripheral necrosis and probably some viable tumour. Aetiologically, such hypointensity was not induced by severe fibrosis, calcification or excessive iron deposition.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Colonic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged