Diffusion MR imaging in glioma: does it have any role in the pre-operation determination of grading of glioma?

Abstract

Aim: 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.

Materials and 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).

Conclusion: 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.