Imaging diagnosis of cystic intraparenchymal brain neoplasms

Certain brain tumors exhibit cystic components. MRI is particularly effective in characterizing the location, enhancement, and morphology of these cystic regions, enabling radiologists to narrow the differential diagnosis. Cystic components are often associated with circumscribed tumors and may be linked to favorable outcomes. High-grade tumors such as glioblastoma can also occasionally exhibit cystic components. Here, we summarize the imaging characteristics of representative cystic brain intraparenchymal neoplasms, including hemangioblastoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, ganglioglioma, desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma/astrocytoma, central neurocytoma, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, ependymoma, glioblastoma, and metastases. This review aims to provide MRI features that facilitate differentiation of these tumors and support appropriate clinical management.