Plenty of calcification: imaging characterization of polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young

Abstract

Purpose: Polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young (PLNTY) is a recently described epileptogenic neoplasm. As the name implies, PLNTYs are indolent tumors most often encountered in the pediatric or young adult population. The imaging features of PLNTY are not well characterized in the existing literature. Methods: We performed a retrospective review, identifying nine patients with pathologically proven PLNTY and available preoperative imaging in order to identify common features which may facilitate confident imaging diagnosis of this entity. Results: Patients were ages 5 to 34 years (median 16 years), and seven (78%) were female. Most tumors had a highly characteristic appearance, with temporal lobe location (6/9; 67%), calcification (8/9; 89%), cortical/subcortical origin (8/9; 89%), cystic components (8/9; 89%), and relatively infrequent contrast enhancement (3/9; 33%). Conclusion: PLNTYs demonstrate characteristic calcification, subcortical location, and frequent temporal lobe localization, features that may allow radiologists to prospectively suggest the diagnosis in the proper clinical setting.