Diffusion MR imaging in glioma: does it have any role in the pre-operation determination of grading of glioma?
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of the diffusion MR weighted sequence in the pre-operative grading of gliomas, and its application in defining the different components of these tumours.


METHODS
Seventeen patients with gliomas (eight high grade, nine low grade) had diffusion weighted imaging. Apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of different components of tumours were measured.


RESULTS
ADC of the cystic portion of the tumour was significantly higher than ADCs of the enhanced tumour, non-enhanced tumour and perifocal oedema (P < 0.01). No significant difference in ADC values between low grade and high grade glioma (P > 0.7) was found nor was there any difference between oligoglioma and non-oligoglioma (P > 0.29).


CONCLUSIONS
ADC value was useful to differentiate the cystic from the solid components of the tumours. However, it was not useful in pre-operative grading of glioma.
Lam
W W M
WW
Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imaging, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. wynnie@cuhk.edu.hk
Poon
W S
WS
Metreweli
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*