Tumor Darkening Sign: Image Finding that May Correspond to a Successful Pre-Surgical Embolization in Meningiom

Abstract

Objective: The present work seeks to describe the change in imaging characteristics in brain magnetic resonance in pre-and post-embolization studies in meningiomas in the plan of being taken to surgical resection. Justification:The pre-surgical embolization of intracranial meningiomas has shown benefits related mainly to less intra-operative bleeding and length of hospital stay, as well as greater technical ease in resection due to changes due to liquefactive necrosis suffered by the tumor. Method:A representative case is presented with pre-and post-embolization imaging studies performed on a patient who was subsequently taken to surgical resection of a meningioma of the posterior third of the sickle, in which there is a marked decrease in signal intensity in MRI study, especially in images with information in T1, sequence with contrast medium, possibly related to vascular and microvascular obstruction that is achieved after embolization of the arteries afferent to the lesion. Conclusion:The loss of enhancement after the administration of contrast medium (Gadolinium) in the images by cerebral magnetic resonance with information in post-embolization T1, evidences the vascular and microvascular lesion that is sought with the administration of embolization material, which serves as an imaging sign of successful or satisfactory embolization prior to being taken to surgery.