pachymeningeal enhancement
Pronunciation: pack-ee-men-IN-jee-al
Contrast enhancement of the dura mater, often indicating inflammation, infection, or neoplastic involvement.
Full Definition
Pachymeningeal enhancement refers to abnormal contrast uptake by the dura mater (pachymeninges) on MRI studies. This finding can be associated with various pathologies including infectious processes like meningitis, inflammatory conditions such as sarcoidosis, neoplastic processes including carcinomatous meningitis, or post-surgical changes. The enhancement pattern and associated clinical features help differentiate between potential causes. It should be distinguished from leptomeningeal enhancement, which involves the pia-arachnoid layers.
Usage
Usage note: Specify distribution pattern and distinguish from leptomeningeal enhancement in reports.
In Context
- "Diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement was noted bilaterally, raising concern for carcinomatous meningitis." — MRI report
- "The pachymeningeal enhancement showed improvement following steroid therapy." — Follow-up imaging report