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Shear Stiffness of 4 Common Intracranial Tumors Measured Using MR Elastography: Comparison with Intraoperative
N Sakai1, Y Takehara2, S Yamashita3
1From the Departments of Neurosurgery (N.S., H.K., T.S., H.N.) nsakaineurosurg@gmail.com.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|June 25, 2016
Summary
Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) measures intracranial tumor stiffness, aiding in preoperative differentiation of firm tumors. This technique shows potential for improving surgical planning and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Imaging
- Biophysics
Background:
- Intracranial tumor stiffness significantly impacts surgical removal outcomes.
- Accurate preoperative assessment of tumor physical properties is crucial for surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the shear stiffness of four common intracranial tumors using Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE).
- To determine if MRE can preoperatively discriminate between firm and non-firm intracranial tumors.
Main Methods:
- MRE was performed on 34 patients with meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, vestibular schwannomas, and gliomas.
- Mean and maximum shear stiffness were measured on elastograms and compared with histopathology and intraoperative surgeon assessments.
- Surgeons provided blinded qualitative intraoperative consistency assessments on a 5-point scale.
Main Results:
- Meningiomas exhibited higher mean and maximum shear stiffness compared to pituitary adenomas (P < .05).
- Shear stiffness measurements significantly correlated with surgeon's intraoperative assessment of tumor consistency (P < .05).
- Firm tumors demonstrated significantly higher maximum shear stiffness than non-firm tumors (P < .05).
Conclusions:
- MRE effectively quantifies the shear stiffness of intracranial tumors, reflecting their physical properties.
- MRE shows promise as a non-invasive tool for preoperative discrimination of firm intracranial tumors.
