title: Imaging of adult brainstem gliomas.
abstract: Brainstem gliomas (BSGs) are uncommon in adults accounting for about 2% of all intracranial neoplasms. They are often phenotypically low-grade as compared to their more common paediatric counterparts. Since brainstem biopsies are rarely performed, these tumours are commonly classified according to their MR imaging characteristics into 4 subgroups: (a) diffuse intrinsic low-grade gliomas, (b) enhancing malignant gliomas, (c) focal tectal gliomas and (d) exophytic gliomas/other subtypes. The prognosis and treatment is variable for the different types and is almost similar to adult supratentorial gliomas. Radiotherapy (RT) with adjuvant chemotherapy is the standard treatment of diffuse low-grade and malignant BSGs, whereas, surgical resection is limited to the exophytic subtypes. Review of previous literature shows that the detailed imaging of adult BSGs has not received significant attention. This review illustrates in detail the imaging features of adult BSGs using conventional and advanced MR techniques like diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), MR perfusion weighted imaging (PWI), MR spectroscopy (MRS), as well as 18F-fluoro-ethyl-tyrosine positron emission tomography (18F-FET/PET). We have discussed the pertinent differences between childhood and adult BSGs, imaging mimics, prognostic factors and briefly reviewed the treatment options of these tumours.
authors: Institute for Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland. Electronic address: purohitbela@yahoo.co.in.
authors: Bela
authors: B
authors: Purohit
authors: Institute for Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors: Ali A
authors: AA
authors: Kamli
authors: Institute for Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors: Spyros S
authors: SS
authors: Kollias
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D014443:Tyrosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; C545932:(18F)fluoroethyltyrosine; D014443:Tyrosine
keywords: Adult brainstem gliomas; MRI; Neuroradiology