Grading of CNS neoplasms using continuous arterial spin labeled perfusion MR imaging at 3 Tesla.
OBJECTIVE
To differentiate glioma grade based on blood flow measured using continuous arterial spin labeled (CASL) perfusion MRI, implemented at 3 Tesla for improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spin labeling effect.


METHODS
CASL perfusion images were obtained preoperatively in 26 patients with brain neoplasms (19 high-grade gliomas (HGGs; WHO grades 3 and 4) and seven low-grade gliomas (LGGs; WHO grades 1 and 2)). The mean and maximum tumor blood flow (TBF and TBFmax) were calculated in the neoplasm, including surrounding infiltrating tumor vs. edema. Measures normalized to global CBF (nTBF and nTBFmax) were also obtained.


RESULTS
Normalized measures of TBFmax provided the best distinction between HGG and LGG groups (Wilcoxon rank sum test, P = 0.01). Seventeen of 19 HGGs showed nTBFmax > 1.0, and 15 of 19 showed nTBFmax > 1.3. Four of seven LGGs showed nTBFmax < 1.0, and six of seven showed nTBFmax < 1.3. Absolute TBFmax also differed significantly between the HGG and LGG groups (P = 0.04). TBFmax in 11 of 17 HGGs was >50 mL/100 g/min (mean +/- SD = 94.9 +/- 71.7 mL/100 g/min). All but one LGGs showed TBFmax < or = 50 mL/100 g/min (mean +/- SD = 42.8 +/- 22.0 mL/100 g/min).


CONCLUSIONS
CASL perfusion MRI provides a quantitative, noninvasive alternative to dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion MR methods for evaluating gliomas.
Wolf
Ronald L
RL
Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. Ronald.Wolf@uphs.upenn.edu
Wang
Jiongjiong
J
Wang
Sumei
S
Melhem
Elias R
ER
O'Rourke
Donald M
DM
Judy
Kevin D
KD
Detre
John A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013113:Spin Labels
D013113:Spin Labels