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Magnetic Resonance Elastography Methodology for the Evaluation of Tissue Engineered Construct Growth
Published on: February 9, 2012
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.
Background And Purpose:
The stiffness of intracranial tumors affects the outcome of tumor removal. We evaluated the stiffness of 4 common intracranial tumors by using MR elastography and tested whether MR elastography had the potential to discriminate firm tumors preoperatively.
Materials And Methods:
Thirty-four patients with meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, vestibular schwannomas, and gliomas scheduled for resection were recruited for MR elastography. On the elastogram, the mean and the maximum shear stiffnesses were measured by placing an ROI on the tumor. Blinded to the MR elastography findings, surgeons conducted qualitative intraoperative assessment of tumor consistency by using a 5-point scale. Histopathologic diagnosis was confirmed by using the resected specimens. The mean and maximum shear stiffnesses were compared with histopathologic subtypes, and the intraoperative tumor consistency was graded by the surgeons.
Results:
The mean and maximum shear stiffnesses were the following: 1.9 ± 0.8 kPa and 3.4 ± 1.5 kPa for meningiomas, 1.2 ± 0.3 kPa and 1.8 ± 0.5 kPa for pituitary adenomas, 2.0 ± 0.4 kPa and 2.7 ± 0.8 kPa for vestibular schwannomas, and 1.5 ± 0.2 kPa and 2.7 ± 0.8 kPa for gliomas. The mean and maximum shear stiffnesses for meningiomas were higher than those of pituitary adenomas (P < .05). The mean and maximum shear stiffnesses were significantly correlated with the surgeon's qualitative assessment of tumor consistency (P < .05). The maximum shear stiffness for 5 firm tumors was higher than that of nonfirm tumors (P < .05).
Conclusions:
MR elastography could evaluate intracranial tumors on the basis of their physical property of shear stiffness. MR elastography may be useful in discriminating firm tumors preoperatively.
Insights
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.
