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MR diffusion imaging of human intracranial tumours
1Danish Research Center of Magnetic Resonance, Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark.
Neuroradiology
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) measured by MRI can help differentiate brain tumors. ADC values were significantly higher in metastases compared to high-grade gliomas, suggesting potential for noninvasive tumor characterization.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Intracranial tumors require accurate preoperative differentiation for optimal treatment.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers noninvasive methods for tissue characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of in vivo brain water self-diffusion measurements using MRI for differentiating intracranial tumors.
- To compare Apparent Diffusion Coefficients (ADC) in various tumor types and surrounding edema.
Main Methods:
- MRI scans were performed on 28 patients with intracranial tumors, including gliomas, metastases, meningiomas, and a cerebral abscess.
- Apparent Diffusion Coefficients (ADC) were calculated in contrast-enhancing tumor areas and surrounding edema along the cephalocaudal axis.
Main Results:
- ADC was statistically significantly higher in contrast-enhancing areas of cerebral metastases compared to high-grade gliomas (P <= 0.05).
- ADC was also significantly higher in edema surrounding metastases than around high-grade gliomas (P <= 0.02).
- Highest ADC values were observed in cystic or necrotic tumor regions.
Conclusions:
- Higher ADC in cerebral metastases compared to high-grade gliomas may aid in preoperative tumor differentiation.
- The findings suggest a higher free water fraction in cerebral metastases.
- Diffusion MRI shows potential for noninvasive characterization of intracranial tumors.