Journal of Pediatric Neuroradiology 2012; 01(02): 081-094
DOI: 10.3233/PNR-2012-014
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Imaging of pediatric cerebellar tumors

Korgün Koral
a   Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and Children’s Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
,
Kadriye M. Koral
b   Department of Radiology, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX, USA
,
Daniel C. Bowers
c   Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and Children’s Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
,
Robert D. Timmerman
d   Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and Children’s Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
› Author Affiliations

Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

16 September 2010

29 December 2010

Publication Date:
28 July 2015 (online)

Abstract

Pediatric cerebellar tumors constitute a heterogeneous group of central nervous system neoplasms with very different imaging characteristic, spread patterns, and outcomes. At one end of the spectrum are the pilocytic astroctyomas which have very good prognosis following complete resection. At the other end are the medulloblastomas and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors with relatively poor outcomes. Familiarity with imaging characteristics of these common neoplasms is important in performing the role of the pediatric neuroradiologist. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and diffusion weighted imaging play important adjuncts to conventional imaging in the diagnosis and follow-up of these tumors.