Magnetic resonance imaging and the evaluation of vestibular schwannomas: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION: The assessment of vestibular schwannoma (VS) requires a standardized measurement approach as growth is a key element in defining treatment strategy for VS. Volumetric measurements offer higher sensitivity and precision, but existing methods of segmentation, are labour-intensive, lack standardisation and are prone to variability and subjectivity. A new core set of measurement indicators reported consistently, will support clinical decision-making and facilitate evidence synthesis. This systematic review aimed to identify indicators used in (1) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition and (2) measurement or (3) growth of VS. This work is expected to inform a Delphi consensus. METHODS: Systematic searches of Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central were undertaken on 4th October 2024. Studies that assessed the evaluation of VS with MRI, between 2014 and 2024 were included. RESULTS: The final dataset consisted of 102 studies and 19,001 patients. Eighty-six (84.3%) studies employed post contrast T1 as the MRI acquisition of choice for evaluating VS. Nine (8.8%) studies additionally employed heavily weighted T2 sequences such as constructive interference in steady state (CISS) and FIESTA-C. Only 45 (44.1%) studies reported the slice thickness with the majority 38 (84.4%) choosing <3 mm in thickness. Sixty-four (62,7%) studies measured volume 59 (57.8%) measured the largest linear dimension; Twenty-two (21.6%) studies used both measurements. Four studies employed semi-automated or automated segmentation processes to measure the volumes of VS. Of 68 studies investigating growth, 54 (79.4%) provided a threshold. Significant variation in volumetric growth was observed but the threshold for significant percentage change reported by most studies was 20% (n = 18). CONCLUSION: Substantial variation in MRI acquisition, and methods for evaluating measurement and growth of VS, exists across the literature. This lack of standardization is likely attributed to resource constraints and the fact that currently available volumetric segmentation methods are very labour-intensive. Following the identification of the indicators employed in the literature, this study aims to develop a Delphi consensus between the British Skull Base Society, European Skull Base Society and European Society of Head and Neck Radiology for the standardized measurement of VS and uptake in employing a data-driven artificial intelligence-based measuring tools.