Reem Ahmed Adas MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Erica CostaPinto, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Carlos Hernando Torres MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Rafael Glikstein, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

1. Provide a systematic approach to brain stem lesions based on the different patterns of T2 signal abnormality.2. Provide an appropriate differential diagnosis to each specific pattern.3. Review the different brain stem pathologies and their key characteristic imaging features on MRI.

A wide range of pathologies can involve the brain stem, many of which have specific findings on MR, allowing for an accurate diagnosis. Some pathologies present with very specific imaging findings such as Multiple System Atrophy, ALS, Wilson;s disease, Hypertrophic Olivary degeneration, and Central Pontine Mielynosis. In other entities, such as vascular insults, MS, gliomas and Wernicke;s encephalopathy, the MR findings in addition to clinical information contribute to a proper diagnosis.

Knowing the different pathologies that can involve the brain stem and their specific imaging findings on MR, in particular the pattern of involvement on the T2 and FLAIR sequences, is key to facilitate a structured approach to the differential diagnosis.

Adas, R, CostaPinto, E, Torres, C, Glikstein, R, Hyperintense T2 Lesions of the Brain Stem: Radiologic Approach and Differential Diagnosis.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11013685.html