MR Fingerprinting-A Radiogenomic Marker for Diffuse Gliomas.

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Oncology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Advanced MRI of brain tumors typically relies on qualitative contrast images.
• MR Fingerprinting (MRF) presents a novel, quantitative approach for tissue characterization.
• Distinguishing diffuse gliomas based on isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status is crucial for treatment stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of MRF-derived T1 and T2 relaxation maps in differentiating diffuse gliomas by IDH mutation status.
• To compare MRF quantitative parameters with conventional MRI sequences and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) values.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four patients with histologically verified diffuse gliomas (IDH-mutant, 1p/19q-codeleted, IDH-wildtype) underwent MRF imaging.
• MRF T1 and T2 relaxation times were compared to ADC, rCBV, and conventional T1/T2 mapping sequences.
• Analysis included solid tumor components, peritumoral edema, and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM).

Main Results:

• Significantly higher MRF T1 and T2 relaxation times were observed in IDH-mutant gliomas compared to IDH-wildtype gliomas within the solid tumor.
• MRF T1 and T2 relaxation times were also significantly higher in IDH-wildtype gliomas within peritumoral edema.
• High correlations were found between MRF and conventional T1/T2 values, and between MRF and ADC values in the solid tumor.

Conclusions:

• MRF enables rapid, single-sequence, multi-parametric, quantitative tissue characterization of diffuse gliomas.
• MRF holds potential for non-invasively differentiating IDH-mutant from IDH-wildtype gliomas.
• Quantitative MRF parameters may improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for diffuse gliomas.