Differentiating atypical meningioma from anaplastic meningioma using diffusion weighted imaging

Tao Han1, Jing Zhang1, Xianwang Liu1

  • 1Department of Radiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China; Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China; Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Lanzhou 730030, China.

Clinical Imaging
|December 16, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found that combining MRI conventional features with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mean values significantly improves the non-invasive diagnosis of atypical meningioma (AtM) and anaplastic meningioma (AnM). This approach offers high accuracy in differentiating these brain tumors preoperatively.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroradiology
  • Oncology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Meningiomas are tumors arising from the meninges.
  • Atypical meningioma (AtM) and anaplastic meningioma (AnM) are aggressive subtypes requiring accurate preoperative differentiation.
  • Distinguishing between AtM and AnM using conventional MRI features alone can be challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic value of conventional MRI features and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements for differentiating AtM from AnM.
  • To determine the combined efficacy of MRI features and ADC values in preoperative diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 55 AtM and 25 AnM cases.
  • Comparison of clinical data, conventional MRI features, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) parameters including ADCmean, ADCmin, and relative ADC (rADC).
  • Statistical analysis using Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, ROC curve analysis, and binary logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • Conventional MRI features showed moderate diagnostic ability (AUC=0.824).
  • ADCmean, ADCmin, and rADC values were significantly higher in AtM than AnM (P < 0.05).
  • ADCmean demonstrated the best individual performance (AUC=0.867).
  • The combination of ADCmean and conventional MRI features yielded optimal discrimination (AUC=0.918, sensitivity=80.00%, specificity=94.55%, accuracy=90.00%).

Conclusions:

  • Conventional MRI features and ADCmean are valuable non-invasive tools for differentiating AtM and AnM.
  • The combined approach offers high accuracy for preoperative diagnosis of these meningioma subtypes.
  • This strategy can aid in surgical planning and patient management.