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Quantitative diffusion MR imaging of cerebral tumor and edema
M Eis1, T Els, M Hoehn-Berlage
1Department of Experimental Neurology, Max-Planck-Institute for Neurological Research, Cologne, Federal Republic of Germany.
Acta Neurochirurgica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) shows promise for detecting brain tumors without contrast agents. While dMRI aids tumor localization, it cannot precisely delineate tumor borders from surrounding edema.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Oncology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for brain tumor detection often requires contrast agents.
- Diffusion-weighted MRI (dMRI) offers a potential alternative for non-contrast tumor visualization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of diffusion-weighted MRI in localizing experimental rat brain tumors without contrast enhancement.
- To compare the localization capabilities of dMRI with conventional T2-weighted imaging.
Main Methods:
- Three experimental rat brain tumors (F98 glioma, RN6 Schwannoma, E376 neuroblastoma) were studied using diffusion-weighted MRI.
- Quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were generated and analyzed.
- Tumor regions were compared with histological findings and T2-weighted imaging.
Main Results:
- Heavily diffusion-weighted images showed marked hypointensity in tumor and edema regions, correlating with histology.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps provided superior tumor localization compared to T2 relaxation times, especially without peritumoral edema.
- Tumors were distinguishable from normal brain tissue and peritumoral edema, but precise border demarcation was not achieved.
Conclusions:
- Diffusion-weighted MRI holds significant potential for detecting brain tumors without contrast agents.
- While effective for localization, dMRI's ability to precisely demarcate tumor margins remains limited due to similar interstitial space changes in tumor and edema.