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Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in radiation-induced cerebral necrosis. Apparent diffusion coefficient
Yu-leung Chan1, David K W Yeung, Sing-fai Leung
1Departments of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imaging, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, People's Republic of China. yl190chan@cuhk.edu.hk
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|September 23, 2003
Summary
Diffusion MRI reveals distinct diffusivity patterns in radiation-induced cerebral necrosis. Lower apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) in enhanced components correlate with temporal lobe deterioration after radiation therapy.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma can cause temporal lobe injury.
- Radiation-induced cerebral necrosis is a known complication.
- Understanding the characteristics of necrosis components is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diffusivity of different components within radiation-induced cerebral necrosis.
- To determine if diffusivity varies among enhanced, cystic/liquefied, and edema components.
- To explore the relationship between diffusivity and morphologic changes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 22 patients with radiation injury to temporal lobes.
- Utilized diffusion-weighted MRI to measure apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs).
- Measured ADCs for contrast-enhanced, cystic/liquefied, and edema components, comparing them to normal white matter.
Main Results:
- ADCs were significantly higher in all necrosis components compared to normal white matter.
- The contrast-enhanced component showed significantly lower ADCs than cystic/liquefied and edema components.
- Lower ADCs in the enhanced component were associated with short-term and long-term morphologic deterioration.
Conclusions:
- Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) are elevated in all components of radiation-induced cerebral necrosis.
- The contrast-enhanced component has a lower ADC than other necrotic components.
- A lower ADC in the enhanced component is linked to adverse morphologic changes, indicating potential deterioration.