Sahar Saleem MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Ahmed Hesham M Said MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Donald Heaton Lee MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The hypothalamus is a brain region that is involved in a variety of primary and secondary pathological processes. This presentation aims to: 1. illustrate the MRI anatomy of the hypothalamus 2. identify the hypothalamic lesions 3. recognize the MRI diagnostic features and differential diagnosis of hypothalamic lesions

The hypothalamus is composed of the lamina terminalis and optic chiasm anteriorly, the infundibular stalk and the tuber cinereum centrally, and the mammillary bodies posteriorly. Primary hypothalamic masses include tumors as glioma, germinoma and osteolipoma; tumor-like conditions as hamartoma and esinophilic granuloma; and miscellaneous lesions as ectopic neurohypophysis. Secondary hypothalamic lesions include suprasellar tumors as meningioma, choriostoma, dermoid, lymphoma and metastasis; tumor-like lesions as colloid cyst; inflammatory lesions as sarcoidosis; and vascular lesions as aneurysm and cavernoma. MRI is the modality of choice in accurate diagnosis of hypothalamic lesions. The MRI features of a wide variety of hypothalamic lesions will be presented. The MR differential diagnosis of hypothalamic lesions depends on accurate anatomical localization, and tissue characterization of the lesions through recognition of the signal pattern and contrast enhancement.

Saleem, S, Said, A, Lee, D, Lesions of the Hypothalamus: MRI Diagnostic Features.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4409206.html