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DWI studies of 96 cerebellar pediatric tumors were analyzed by neuroradiologists and residents in radiology during 2 sessions, one that included the DWI studies and one that did not. These observers were asked to categorize the masses as: astrocytoma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, or atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor. The addition of DWI resulted in significant improvement in the diagnosis of all tumors except ependymoma among all reviewers with different levels of experience.

The degree of contrast enhancement was assessed in 22 high-grade intracranial stenoses that were either symptomatic or asymptomatic. Seventy percent of symptomatic plaques showed contrast enhancement whereas this was seen in only 8% of those that were asymptomatic. This study suggests that intracranial stenoses can be evaluated with conventional MRI protocols and that there is a strong association between plaque contrast enhancement and ischemic symptoms.