Retroperitoneal neurilemoma: CT and MR findings

Abstract

Objective: Our objective was to characterize the CT and MR imaging findings of retroperitoneal neurilemomas.

Materials and methods: We reviewed the CT and MR imaging findings in six women with retroperitoneal neurilemomas.

Results: Retroperitoneal neurilemomas were round, 5-13 cm in diameter, and located in the presacral pelvic retroperitoneum in four patients and adjacent to the kidney in two patients. CT findings of the tumors were well-demarcated round masses showing prominent cystic changes and oriented in a somewhat radial fashion. Medium and heavily T2-weighted MR images showed high-intensity necrotic areas and nonnecrotic areas of various signal intensity.

Conclusion: CT findings of a round mass with prominent cystic degeneration, along with certain MR imaging characteristics, may be helpful in the preoperative diagnosis of retroperitoneal neurilemomas.