[MR findings of intramedullary tumors].

Intramedullary tumors are relatively rare. In this review article, we describe the characteristic MR findings and differential diagnosis of three common intramedullary tumors: astrocytoma, ependymoma and hemangioblastoma. It is important preoperatively to differentiate ependymoma from astrocytoma, because ependymoma has a clear tumor margin, and therefore complete removal of the tumor can be achieved. Other intramedullary lesions that need to be differentiated from intramedullary tumors are also described.