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Updated: Sep 20, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Diffusion-weighted imaging predicts postoperative persistence in meningioma patients with peritumoural abnormalities
Akira Nakamizo1, Takanori Inamura, Shinya Yamaguchi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, 812-8582, Fukuoka, Japan. nakamizo@ns.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Objective:
While diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to study malignant brain tumours, this modality has not been used to study MRI abnormalities surrounding meningiomas.
Methods:
We examined intensity and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) for predicting postoperative persistence of MRI abnormalities surrounding meningiomas as well as characterizing the tumours.
Results:
Of 36 meningiomas who underwent gross total resection, 27 (75%) showed hyperintensity on DWI at b=1100s/mm2. No atypical meningiomas were hypointense on DWI. Of the 26 supratentorial meningiomas, 18 (69.0%) had associated MRI abnormality. No significant correlation was seen between tumour intensity on DWI and existence of surrounding MRI abnormality. Meningothelial meningiomas showed a relatively low prevalence of MRI abnormalities surrounding tumour (30%). Of 11 patients who underwent sequential MRI, all MRI abnormalities surrounding tumour showing isointensity and high ADC on preoperative DWI disappeared after surgery (from 3 weeks to 10 months). All MRI abnormalities surrounding tumour showing hyperintensity and low ADC on preoperative DWI persisted on final follow-up MRI (from 6 months to 20 months).
Conclusion:
The postoperative course of MRI abnormality surrounding tumour might be predictable from the intensity and ADC on preoperative DWI. Since MRI abnormalities associated with meningiomas can cause preoperative neurologic deficits. We hypothesise that abnormalities with restricted diffusion will be more likely to be associated with a preoperative deficit, and more likely to remain after removal of the causative meningioma.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) can predict if MRI abnormalities around meningiomas will persist after surgery. Restricted diffusion indicates abnormalities are likely to remain post-operation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is established for malignant brain tumors.
- Its utility for MRI abnormalities surrounding meningiomas remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in characterizing meningiomas.
- To predict the postoperative persistence of MRI abnormalities adjacent to meningiomas.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of MRI intensity and ADC values on DWI for 36 meningiomas.
- Correlation of imaging findings with postoperative persistence of surrounding MRI abnormalities.
Main Results:
- 75% of meningiomas showed hyperintensity on DWI (b=1100s/mm²); no atypical meningiomas were hypointense.
- Abnormalities with isointensity and high ADC resolved post-surgery.
- Abnormalities with hyperintensity and low ADC persisted post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative DWI intensity and ADC can predict the postoperative course of MRI abnormalities around meningiomas.
- Restricted diffusion in these abnormalities may correlate with preoperative deficits and persistence.
- This imaging approach aids in understanding and managing meningioma-associated changes.
