Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Diffusion Imaging in the Rat Cervical Spinal Cord
Published on: April 7, 2015
Is There Any Correlation Between Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Histopathologic Findings of Meningioma? A
Mahrokh Sadat Vaziri1, Fahimeh Zeinalkhani1, Soroush Alaeddini1
1Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR) Tehran University of Medical Science Tehran Iran.
Background And Aims:
Meningiomas are common CNS tumors, with grading critical for treatment. This study aimed to determine if diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) correlates with histopathologic findings in meningioma, focusing on tumor grade, subtype, and Ki-67 index.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 68 patients with meningioma who underwent preoperative MRI with DWI. Tumor grade was determined using the WHO classification. DWI intensity was categorized as hyperintense, isointense, or hypointense relative to normal brain tissue. ADC values were measured, and diffusion restriction was defined as high signal intensity on DWI with low signal intensity on the ADC map. Histopathologic analysis assessed the Ki-67 proliferation index. Statistical analysis used ANOVA, Chi-square, univariable linear regression (β), and odds ratios (OR) via SPSS 17.0, with p < 0.05 as significant.
Results:
The study included 68 patients with a mean age of 52.1 ± 15.6 years, mostly females (67.65%). Most tumors were grade 1 (73.5%) with male patients having higher tumor grades than females. Meningothelial was the most common subtype. DWI intensity correlated with tumor grade, with higher grades more likely to be hypointense. ADC values varied with tumor grades, being significantly higher in grade 1 tumors. Diffusion restriction was more common in higher-grade tumors. Ki-67 was higher in males (p = 0.01) and inversely linked to ADC (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Both qualitative DWI features and quantitative ADC values reflect meningioma grade and proliferative activity, with notable sex and subtype differences, underscoring the clinical utility of preoperative DWI.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values correlate with meningioma grade and proliferation. Preoperative DWI aids in assessing tumor characteristics, with sex and subtype influencing findings.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Meningiomas are common central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
- Accurate tumor grading is crucial for effective treatment planning.
- Histopathologic findings, including the Ki-67 index, are key prognostic indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings and histopathologic features of meningiomas.
- To assess the relationship between DWI parameters, tumor grade, subtype, and the Ki-67 proliferation index.
- To evaluate the clinical utility of preoperative DWI in characterizing meningiomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 68 patients with meningioma who underwent preoperative MRI with DWI.
- Tumor grading according to WHO classification.
- Qualitative DWI intensity assessment and quantitative ADC value measurement.
- Histopathologic analysis for Ki-67 index determination.
- Statistical analysis including ANOVA, Chi-square, and regression models.
Main Results:
- DWI intensity correlated with tumor grade; higher grades showed more hypointensity.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were significantly higher in grade 1 meningiomas.
- Diffusion restriction was more prevalent in higher-grade tumors.
- Higher Ki-67 index was observed in male patients and inversely correlated with ADC values.
Conclusions:
- Qualitative DWI features and quantitative ADC values reflect meningioma grade and proliferative activity.
- Preoperative DWI provides valuable insights into meningioma characteristics.
- Sex and tumor subtype exhibit distinct influences on DWI findings and tumor biology.

