Diagnosis of meningioma with MR diffusion tensor imaging

Objective To investigate the relationship of ADC values, FA values and pathological grade in meningiomas by using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods Twenty-seven cases of meningiomas with pathologic confirmation underwent routine MRI, DTI and enhanced scanning. ADC and FA values were measured in the solid part of tumors, the peritumoral edema, the white matter surrounding the edema and corresponding normal brain. Results There was significant difference of ADC values in the solid part of tumors, the peritumoral edema and the white matter surrounding the edema. FA values of the white matter surrounding the edema were higher than that of the solid part of tumors and the peritumoral edema respectively, and the difference was significant. The difference of ADC values in the solid part of tumors was statistically significant between malignant and benign meningiomas. There was significant difference of FA values in white matter surrounding the edema between malignant and benign meningiomas. Conclusion Combined with conventional MR imaging, ADC and FA values may predict the malignancy of meningiomas. ADC values can be used to differentiate the solid part of the tumors, the peritumoral edema and the white matter surrounding the edema.