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Pre-operative histopathological evaluation of meningiomas by 3 0T T2R MRI
Y Yoneoka1, Y Fujii, H Takahashi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, University of Niigata, Niigata, Japan.
Background:
To assess the potential of T2 reversed (T2R) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the pre-operative histopathological assessment of meningiomas.
Method:
Twenty patients scheduled for meningioma resection were prospectively assessed using T2R MRI on a 3 tesla system. Image characteristics were compared with intra-operative findings and post-operative histopathological examination of excised meningioma tissues.
Findings:
The averaged T2 characteristics expressed as averaged gray scale levels of the tumour correlated highly with tumour consistency, in agreement with previous reports. Furthermore, detailed evaluation of the structural appearance of tumour on T2R images revealed brightness of tumour (shorter T2) was dependent on the degree of histopathological heterogeneity. Significantly shorter T2 value correlated with collagen-rich fibrous tissue.
Interpretation:
The study demonstrated the advantage of T2R imaging in pre-operative determination of histopathological characteristics of meningiomas. As a step towards MR microscopy and improved pre-operative treatment planning, T2R imaging on a 3.0 T system appears to play an important role in the non-invasive pre-operative structural assessment of a tissue of interest.
Insights
T2 reversed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can non-invasively assess meningioma histopathology before surgery. Shorter T2 values on T2R MRI correlate with collagen-rich tissue, aiding pre-operative diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Meningiomas are primary brain tumors requiring accurate pre-operative assessment.
- Histopathological characteristics are crucial for surgical planning and prognosis.
- Current pre-operative methods may lack detailed tissue-level information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of T2 reversed (T2R) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for pre-operative histopathological assessment of meningiomas.
- To correlate T2R MRI findings with intra-operative and post-operative histopathological data.
- To explore the potential of T2R MRI as a non-invasive diagnostic tool.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 20 patients undergoing meningioma resection.
- T2R MRI was performed using a 3 tesla system.
- Image characteristics were compared with surgical findings and histopathology.
Main Results:
- Averaged T2 characteristics correlated significantly with tumor consistency.
- Tumor brightness on T2R images reflected the degree of histopathological heterogeneity.
- Shorter T2 values were associated with collagen-rich fibrous tissue.
Conclusions:
- T2R imaging offers an advantage in pre-operative determination of meningioma histopathological features.
- This technique aids in non-invasive pre-operative structural assessment of meningiomas.
- T2R MRI on a 3.0 T system is a valuable tool for improving pre-operative treatment planning.
