WHO grade I meningioma subtypes: MRI features and pathological analysis

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neuroradiology
• Neuropathology

Background:

• WHO grade I meningiomas encompass diverse subtypes with varying prognoses.
• Accurate subtype differentiation is crucial for tailored surgical planning and patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and pathological parameters across different WHO grade I meningioma subtypes.
• To enhance the diagnostic value of MRI in classifying meningioma subtypes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of MRI findings (T1WI, T2WI, enhancement, edema) in patients with WHO grade I meningiomas.
• Utilized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-MRS) and reviewed pathological examination results.
• Statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis H test to determine correlations (P < 0.05).

Main Results:

• Angiomatous meningiomas: low T1WI, high T2WI, high edema, homogeneous enhancement.
• Meningothelial meningiomas: iso-intense T1WI/T2WI, moderate/severe edema, moderate enhancement.
• Mixed, fibroblastic, psammomatous meningiomas: mixed signals, mild/moderate edema, variable enhancement.
• Significant differences observed in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and ¹H-MRS indicators among subtypes.

Conclusions:

• Angiomatous and meningothelial meningiomas exhibit distinct MRI signatures, facilitating their identification.
• Distinguishing between mixed, fibroblastic, and psammomatous subtypes based on MRI alone remains challenging.
• MRI features combined with advanced techniques like ¹H-MRS show promise in improving meningioma subtype classification.