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Published on: September 13, 2022
Do aggressive imaging features correlate with advanced histopathological grade in meningiomas?
Chia-Chun Hsu1, Chien-Yu Pai, Hung-Wen Kao
1Department of Radiology, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Taichung Branch, No. 66, Sec. 1, Fongsing Road, Tanzih Township, Taichung County 427, Taiwan.
Summary
Atypical and malignant meningiomas can be identified by specific imaging features. Intratumoral cystic change and extracranial extension are key indicators differentiating aggressive tumors from benign meningiomas.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Atypical and malignant meningiomas exhibit higher recurrence rates compared to benign types.
- Accurate differentiation is crucial for treatment planning and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct imaging features that differentiate benign meningiomas from atypical and malignant variants.
- To assess the diagnostic value of specific aggressive imaging characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 75 patients with intracranial meningiomas (2004-2007).
- Histopathological grading based on World Health Organization (WHO) classification into benign and atypical/malignant groups.
- Evaluation of six aggressive imaging features on preoperative CT and MRI: intratumoral cystic change, hyperostosis, bony destruction, extracranial extension, arterial encasement, and peritumoral edema.
Main Results:
- The study included 59 benign and 16 atypical/malignant meningiomas.
- Intratumoral cystic change and extracranial tumor extension through skull base foramina were significantly more prevalent in atypical/malignant meningiomas (p=0.001).
- Other evaluated features did not show significant differences between groups.
Conclusions:
- Intratumoral cystic change and extracranial tumor extension are potential imaging markers for distinguishing atypical/malignant meningiomas from benign ones.
- These findings can aid radiologists and clinicians in preoperative risk stratification.
