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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Measuring Post-Stroke Cerebral Edema, Infarct Zone and Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown in a Single Set of Rodent Brain Samples
Published on: October 23, 2020
Contribution of the apparent diffusion coefficient in perilesional edema for the assessment of brain tumors
R Guzman1, S Altrichter, M El-Koussy
1Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
Objectives:
Diffusion-weighted MRI is sensitive to molecular motion and has been applied to the diagnosis of stroke. Our intention was to investigate its usefulness in patients with brain tumor and, in particular, in the perilesional edema.
Methods:
We performed MRI of the brain, including diffusion-weighted imaging and mapping of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), in 16 patients with brain tumors (glioblastomas, low-grade gliomas and metastases). ADC values were determined by the use of regions of interest positioned in areas of high signal intensities as seen on T2-weighted images and ADC maps. Measurements were taken in the tumor itself, in the area of perilesional edema and in the healthy contralateral brain.
Results:
ADC mapping showed higher values of peritumoral edema in patients with glioblastoma (1.75 x 10(-3)mm(2)/s) and metastatic lesions (1.61 x 10(-3)mm(2)/s) compared with those who had low-grade glioma (1.40 x10(-3)mm(2)/s). The higher ADC values in the peritumoral zone were associated with lower ADC values in the tumor itself.
Conclusions:
The higher ADC values in the more malignant tumors probably reflect vasogenic edema, thereby allowing their differentiation from other lesions.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted MRI reveals higher apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in peritumoral edema of malignant brain tumors. This technique aids in differentiating aggressive lesions from less aggressive ones.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) measures water molecule diffusion.
- DW-MRI is established for stroke diagnosis.
- Its utility in brain tumors, especially perilesional edema, requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of DW-MRI in brain tumor patients.
- To specifically assess its role in characterizing perilesional edema.
- To differentiate tumor types based on diffusion characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Brain MRI including DW-MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping performed on 16 patients.
- Regions of interest placed in tumors, perilesional edema, and healthy brain tissue.
- ADC values quantified and compared across different tumor types and locations.
Main Results:
- Higher ADC values observed in peritumoral edema of glioblastoma (1.75 x 10(-3)mm(2)/s) and metastases (1.61 x 10(-3)mm(2)/s).
- Lower ADC values found in low-grade glioma peritumoral edema (1.40 x 10(-3)mm(2)/s).
- Increased peritumoral ADC correlated with decreased intratumoral ADC.
Conclusions:
- Elevated ADC values in peritumoral edema likely indicate vasogenic edema.
- DW-MRI, via ADC mapping, can help differentiate highly malignant brain tumors.
- This imaging modality offers potential for improved tumor characterization and diagnosis.
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