Computed Tomography Evaluation of Supratentorial Brain Tumours

Abstract

Background: Imaging modalities like CT and MRI may play a vital role in diagnostic evaluation of CNS neoplasms.But the relative superiority of these modalities is intensely debated in the literature. Computed tomography, with it's wider availability, lesser cost and higher efficacy in differentiating calcification/ hemorrhage which can play a vital role in resourcepoor settings. Methods: The current study was a prospective observational study of 50 patients with supratentorial brain tumours reporting to radiology department for CT brain, in a tertiary care teaching hospital in south India. Results: Glioma (48%) was the most common tumour.Pilocyticastrocytomas and low-grade Glioma were seen in younger and middle-age population (<45 years), whereas Anaplastic astrocytoma, GBM and Oligodendroglioma showed incidence after 45 years of age.CT accurately characterized 42 of the total 50 cases. Diagnostic accuracy of CT in characterizing Meningioma, Pilocytic astrocytoma, Craniopharyngioma, Oligodendroglioma and pituitary adenomas was better than anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme. Glioma mostly presented as hypo-dense lesion in NCCT while majority of Meningioma were hyper dense.Necrosis was seen in metastasis and GBM. Calcifications were seen in meningioma, craniopharyngioma and oligodendroglioma Conclusion: Supratentorial tumours can be seen in pediatric age group as well as in adults and elderly population. Glioma was the most common supratentorial brain tumour followed by meningioma and metastases. CT features are fairly characteristic in meningioma, craniopharyngioma and pituitary adenoma with overlap of imaging features in anaplastic astrocytoma, GBM and solitary metastasis.