Differentiating Glioma from Brain Metastasis Using Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging: A Systematic...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Differentiating gliomas from brain metastases (BMs) is a significant clinical challenge.
• Noninvasive imaging biomarkers are crucial for accurate brain tumor diagnosis.
• Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) offers potential for improved discrimination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review studies measuring NODDI parameters in patients with gliomas and BMs.
• To assess the utility of NODDI parameters in differentiating these intracranial tumors.
• To identify specific NODDI metrics valuable for differential diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus.
• Included studies measured NODDI parameters (V-IC, V-ISO, ODI) in glioma and BM patients.
• Meta-analysis utilized random-effects models, assessing heterogeneity and publication bias.

Main Results:

• Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis.
• Significant differences in orientation dispersion index (ODI) and isotropic volume fraction (V-ISO) were found between gliomas and BMs in contrast-enhancing regions.
• V-ISO also showed significant differences in the peritumoral edema area for glioblastoma subgroups.

Conclusions:

• NODDI parameters, particularly ODI and V-ISO, are effective noninvasive biomarkers for differentiating gliomas from BMs.
• These findings support the use of NODDI in improving the differential diagnosis of brain tumors.
• Further research is warranted due to the limited number of studies included.