Radiographic incidence of multicentric malignant gliomas

Abstract

Background: Multicentric malignant gliomas are interesting yet uncommon clinical entities with an unknown rate of occurrence.

Methods: We reviewed the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images of 100 consecutive patients with malignant gliomas to determine the incidence of multicentricity in malignant glial neoplasms.

Results: Five patients had multiple lesions on their initial radiographic study (synchronous lesions) and in four patients multiplicity developed after initial diagnosis (metachronous lesions). MR imaging demonstrated one lesion not seen on CT.

Conclusions: Because synchronous or metachronous multicentricity was found in 9% of patients with malignant gliomas, treatment delivery should not be based on radiographic imaging without attempting to obtain an accurate diagnosis of the ongoing intracranial process.