Imaging of oligodendroglioma

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Radiology
• Molecular Pathology

Background:

• Oligodendrogliomas are adult glial tumors characterized by 1p/19q chromosome arm codeletion.
• This genetic alteration holds significant diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive value.
• Typical imaging findings include calcification and a cortical-subcortical location, often in the frontal lobe.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the key diagnostic and prognostic features of oligodendrogliomas.
• To discuss the role of various imaging modalities in diagnosis and differentiation.
• To highlight challenges in distinguishing tumor grades and recurrence.

Main Methods:

• Review of characteristic imaging findings on MRI and CT.
• Discussion of molecular features, specifically 1p/19q codeletion.
• Exploration of advanced and functional imaging techniques.

Main Results:

• 1p/19q codeletion is a hallmark, influencing tumor characteristics and prognosis.
• Imaging findings like calcification, location, and enhancement patterns are typical but can overlap between grades.
• MRI and CT are complementary for initial diagnosis, with MRI better for extent and CT for calcification.

Conclusions:

• While imaging and molecular features aid diagnosis, differentiating low- from high-grade oligodendrogliomas and tumor recurrence from radiation necrosis can be difficult.
• Advanced imaging techniques show promise but lack definitive methods for all cases.
• The 1p/19q codeletion status is crucial for understanding oligodendroglioma behavior.