The role of tomography (X-ray and magnetic resonance) in the diagnosis and determination of the extension of tumors in the roof of the third ventricle

We describe the CT scan and MR appearance of neoplastic lesions affecting the roof of the third ventricle. The neoplastic lesions of this region may be of neuroepithelial origin (sub-ependymoma, colloid cyst), meningeal cell origin (meningiomas), metastatic or primary localization of lymphoproliferative tumors (lymphomas) and dysembryogenetic origin (epidermoid tumor). CT scan and MR imaging are useful techniques for diagnosis and planning of surgical or medical treatment. The primary role of these imaging techniques, is discussed in the quantification of extension, biologic malignancy and anatomical relationships between pathologic lesion and normal nervous tissue.