WHO grade I meningioma subtypes: MRI features and pathological analysis

Abstract

Aims: WHO grade I meningiomas include several subtypes that differ in terms of surgical planning and prognosis. We aim to analyze the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and pathological parameters for each WHO grade I meningioma subtype to improve diagnostic value.

Materials and methods: Patients with WHO grade I meningiomas underwent pathology pathological examination and surgery at our hospital. MRI findings included signal intensity on T1WI and T2WI and, the enhancement degree in contrast-enhanced, and the degree of peritumoral edema in patients were reviewed. ¹H-MRS was performed for the different meningioma subtypes. The correlation between MRI features and pathology was determined using a Kruskal-Wallis H test (P < 0.05).

Key findings: Angiomatous meningiomas mainly showed a low T1WI signal, a high T2WI signal, a high occurrence rate of peritumoral edema, mainly with moderate or severe peritumoral edema, and homogeneous enhancement. Meningothelial meningiomas mainly showed T1WI and T2WI iso-intense signals, mainly moderate or severe peritumoral edema, and moderate enhancement. Mixed, fibroblastic, and psammomatous meningiomas showed mixed signals, much overlap of the T1WI and T2WI signals, mainly mild or moderate peritumoral edema, and mild or moderate enhancement that could be inhomogeneous. A significant difference was noted in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and in some ¹H-MRS indicators among different meningioma subtypes.

Significance: Angiomatous meningiomas were the most easily identified subtype, followed by meningothelial meningiomas. No obvious difference was observed among the mixed, fibroblastic, and psammomatous meningiomas, but differences were observed between angiomatous and meningothelial meningiomas.

Keywords: MRI features; Pathological analysis; Subtype; WHO grade I meningiomas.