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Prognostic and predictive values of diffusion and perfusion MRI in paediatric intracranial ependymomas in a large
Fatima Tensaouti1, Anne Ducassou2, Léonor Chaltiel3
11 Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France.
Objective:
To assess the relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) derived, respectively, from perfusion and diffusion pre-operative MRI of intracranial ependymomas and their predictive and prognostic values.
Methods:
Pre-operative MRI and clinical data for intracranial ependymomas diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2013 were retrospectively retrieved from a web-based national database. MRI data included diffusion (62 patients) and perfusion (20 patients) MRI. Patient age, histopathological diagnosis, tumour location, ADC, relative ADC (rADC) and rCBV were considered as potential factors in a survival analysis. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analyses were performed using the log-rank test to compare groups. We also performed a multivariate analysis, applying the Cox proportional hazards model.
Results:
ADC and rADC values within hypointense regions differed significantly between grades II and III (p = 0.01). The 75th percentile of ADC within hypointense regions and the 25th percentile of rCBV within non-enhancing lesions were prognostic of disease-free survival (p = 0.004, p = 0.05). A significant correlation was found between the 75th percentile of rCBV and the 25th percentile of rADC (p = 0.01) in enhancing regions of grade-III tumours.
Conclusion:
Pre-operative rADC and rCBV could be used as prognostic factors for clinical outcome and to predict histological grade in paediatric ependymomas.
Advances In Knowledge:
Prognostic value of diffusion and perfusion MRI in paediatric ependymoma was found and may play a role in the prognostic classification of patients in order to design more tailored treatment strategies.
Insights
Pre-operative diffusion and perfusion MRI can predict outcomes in pediatric ependymomas. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) values may help tailor treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Ependymomas are primary brain tumors.
- Accurate pre-operative assessment is crucial for treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive and prognostic value of pre-operative MRI parameters in pediatric intracranial ependymomas.
- To assess relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pre-operative MRI and clinical data from 2000-2013.
- Inclusion of diffusion (62 patients) and perfusion (20 patients) MRI data.
- Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier, log-rank, and Cox proportional hazards models.
Main Results:
- ADC and rADC values differed significantly between ependymoma grades II and III.
- ADC and rCBV percentiles were prognostic for disease-free survival.
- Correlation found between rCBV and rADC in grade-III tumors.
Conclusions:
- Pre-operative rADC and rCBV can serve as prognostic factors for pediatric ependymomas.
- These MRI parameters may aid in histological grade prediction and tailored treatment strategies.
