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Correlating apparent diffusion coefficients with histopathologic findings on meningiomas
1Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Rd. Middle, Shanghai 200040, China. yinbo7@163.com
Purpose:
To determine whether the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) correlates with histopathologic findings and whether ADC values can be used to differentiate benign from atypical/malignant meningiomas.
Materials And Methods:
MR images were reviewed retrospectively in 138 patients with meningiomas treated between September 1997 and July 2003. The ADC values were measured in the lesions and peritumoral edema, and the normalized ADC (NADC) ratios were calculated using the formula NADC=ADC of the tumor/ADC of the normal white matter. The ADC findings were compared with the histopathologic findings after resection using the World Health Organization criteria (2007).
Results:
Meningiomas were histologically graded as malignant (9%), atypical (14%) and benign (77%). Of the 138 meningiomas, 32 (23%) were atypical (n=19) or malignant (n=13), whereas 106 (77%) were typical. The mean ADC values were statistically different between typical and atypical/malignant meningiomas (0.97 ± 0.21 × 10(-3)mm(2)/s vs 0.85 ± 0.17 × 10(-3)mm(2)/s). The mean NADC ratios were also significantly lower in the atypical/malignant group (1.09 ± 0.23) than in the benign group (1.24 ± 0.25; P=0.002<0.05). The mean ADC values and NADC ratios did not differ significantly among fibrous, meningothelial, transitional and atypical tumors (P>0.05). The mean ADC values and NADC ratios were higher in the angiomatous and secretory subgroups than in the fibrous, meningothelial, transitional, atypical and malignant subgroups (P<0.05). The ADC values and NADC ratios were the lowest in the malignant subgroup, and the difference between atypical and malignant meningiomas was statistically significant (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
Meningioma subgroups displayed different ADC values from each other. Thus, ADC values may provide a useful supplement to the information obtained from conventional contrast-enhanced MR imaging, enhancing the ability of medical professionals to differentiate among the subgroups of meningiomas.
Insights
Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values can help differentiate benign from malignant meningiomas. These MRI measurements correlate with histopathology, aiding in tumor grading and diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neuro-oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors.
- Accurate preoperative grading of meningiomas is crucial for treatment planning.
- Distinguishing between benign and atypical/malignant meningiomas can be challenging with conventional MRI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and histopathologic findings in meningiomas.
- To assess the utility of ADC values in differentiating benign from atypical/malignant meningiomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 138 meningioma cases with MR imaging.
- Measurement of ADC values in tumors and peritumoral edema.
- Calculation of normalized ADC (NADC) ratios.
- Comparison of ADC/NADC values with histopathologic grading (WHO criteria 2007).
Main Results:
- ADC values and NADC ratios differed significantly between typical (benign) and atypical/malignant meningiomas.
- Lower ADC and NADC values were observed in atypical/malignant tumors.
- Specific meningioma subgroups (angiomatous, secretory) showed higher ADC/NADC values.
- Malignant meningiomas exhibited the lowest ADC and NADC values, with significant differences from atypical tumors.
Conclusions:
- ADC values demonstrate distinct patterns across different meningioma subgroups.
- ADC measurements can supplement conventional contrast-enhanced MRI.
- ADC analysis enhances the ability to differentiate meningioma subtypes, aiding clinical decision-making.
