Usefulness of T2 Relaxation Time for Quantitative Prediction of Meningioma Consistency

Meningioma consistency is one of the most critical factors affecting the difficulty of surgery. Although many studies have attempted to predict meningioma consistency via magnetic resonance imaging findings, no definitive method has been established, because most have been based on qualitative evaluations. Therefore, the present study examined the potential of the T2 relaxation time (T2 value), a tissue-specific quantitative parameter, for assessment of meningioma consistency.

Eighteen surgically treated meningiomas in 16 patients were included in the present study. Preoperatively, the T2 values of all meningiomas were calculated pixel by pixel, and a T2 value distribution map was generated. A total of 27 tumor specimens (multiple specimens were procured if heterogeneous) were taken from these meningiomas, with each localization identified intraoperatively using image guidance. The consistency of the specimens was measured with a durometer, originally a device for measuring the hardness of material such as elastic rubber, and their water content was subsequently measured using wet and dry measurements.

A significant correlation was found between the T2 values of the matched locations identified by image guidance intraoperatively and the consistency measured using the durometer (r = -0.722; P < 0.01) and the water content (r = 0.621; P = 0.01). In addition, the water content correlated significantly with the durometer consistency (r = -0.677; P < 0.01).

The T2 values could be a reliable quantitative predictor of meningioma consistency, and the T2 value distribution map, which elucidated the internal structure of the tumor in detail, could provide helpful information for surgical resection.