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Diffusion characteristics of pediatric pineal tumors
Asim F Choudhri1, Matthew T Whitehead2, Adeel Siddiqui3
1Department of Radiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA Le Bonheur Neuroscience Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, USA achoudhri@uthsc.edu.
Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) helps differentiate pediatric pineal tumors. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values distinguish pineoblastoma/PNET from germ cell tumors in children.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) is valuable for tumor characterization and histology prediction.
- Existing DWI studies on pineal tumors often include adult populations, necessitating specific pediatric data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate diffusion characteristics of pediatric pineal tumors.
- To validate if DWI patterns observed in mixed pediatric/adult studies apply to pediatric-only populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients (≤18 years) with pineal tumors.
- Inclusion of cases with available preoperative diffusion weighted imaging and histologic confirmation.
Main Results:
- Seven pineoblastomas, four Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors (PNETs), and seven germ cell tumors were analyzed.
- Lower mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were found in pineoblastoma/PNET compared to germ cell tumors (p < 0.0001).
- One highly cellular germinoma showed an intermediate ADC value.
Conclusions:
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values can assist in differentiating pediatric pineoblastoma/PNET from germ cell tumors.
- DWI is a useful non-invasive tool for characterizing pediatric pineal masses.
