Quantitative Sodium (²³Na) MRI in Pediatric Gliomas: Initial Experience

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Oncology
• Pediatric Radiology

Background:

• 23Na MRI is a promising tool for assessing tumor proliferation.
• Limited research exists on 23Na MRI in pediatric brain tumors.
• Sodium concentration is a potential biomarker for brain tumor characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare total sodium concentration (TSC) in pediatric gliomas versus non-neoplastic brain tissue using 23Na MRI.
• Evaluate the tissue conspicuity of bound sodium concentration (BSC) via dual echo 23Na MRI compared to TSC imaging.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative 23Na MRI was used to measure TSC in 26 pediatric glioma patients.
• Gliomas included diffuse intrinsic brainstem glioma (DIPG), low-grade glioma (LGG), and high-grade glioma (HGG).
• Dual echo 23Na MRI assessed serial changes in TSC and BSC.

Main Results:

• Pediatric gliomas showed significantly higher TSC values than non-neoplastic brain tissues.
• DIPG, LGG, and HGG all exhibited elevated TSC compared to white matter and gray matter.
• Dual echo 23Na MRI effectively suppressed signals from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and necrotic areas.

Conclusions:

• Quantitative 23Na MRI can differentiate pediatric gliomas from normal brain tissue based on TSC.
• Dual echo 23Na MRI improves the conspicuity of bound sodium concentration (BSC), enhancing tumor visualization.