Predicting the histopathological grade of cerebral gliomas using high b value MR DW imaging at 3-tesla.
BACKGROUND
Our aim was to prospectively assess whether magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging using high b values can predict better than b value of 1,000 s/mm(2) the histopathological grade of cerebral gliomas.


METHODS
Fifty-four patients with histologically verified brain gliomas (35 high-grade and 19 low-grade gliomas) underwent MR DW imaging. Isotropic DW images and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were obtained with b values of 1,000 and 3,000 s/mm(2). Each tumor was evaluated as being hyperintense, iso-intense or hypointense to normal, contralateral-hemisphere white matter.


RESULTS
Most of the patients with high- and low-grade gliomas showed areas of increased signal intensity on their isotropic images, obtained with a b value of 1,000 s/mm(2). However, with a b value of 3,000 s/mm(2) the areas of increased signal intensity were seen in 97.1% of the high-grade gliomas, while 94.7% of the low-grade gliomas showed no area of increased signal intensity. The mean area under the ROC curve for ADC ratio, obtained with a b value of 3,000 s/mm(2), was significantly higher than that obtained with 1,000 s/mm(2) (.932 vs. .856, P= .04).


CONCLUSIONS
High b value DW MR might be useful as a complementary tool in preoperative assessment of the histopathological grading of cerebral gliomas.
Alvarez-Linera
Juan
J
Department of Neuroradiology, International Ruber Hospital of Madrid, Spain.
Benito-León
Julián
J
Escribano
Jose
J
Rey
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012372:ROC Curve