The primary study in differentiation of benign and malignant meningiomas with diffusion tensor imaging

Objective To investigate the value of ADC values, FA values, fiber tracking maps in differentiating malignant from benign meningiomas by using DWI and diffusion tensor imaging(DTI). Methods Twenty-three of benign meningiomas and 4 cases of malignant meningiomas with pathologic confirmation underwent DTI. ADC and FA values were measured in the solid part of tumors, the peritumoral edema and the white matter surrounding the edema. Bilateral white matter were 3D reconstructed. Result ① The difference of ADC values in the solid part of tumors was statistically significant between malignant meningiomas and benign tumors. There was significant difference of FA values in white matter surrounding the edema between malignant meningiomas and benign tumors. ② Benign meningiomas led to a corresponding large displacement of the fiber away from the tumor or the fiber was not seen to be separate from the tumor obviously. The fiber of malignant meningiomas is not only displaced but infiltrated by the tumor. Conclusion ADC and FA values may differentiate the malignant from benign meningiomas. Fiber tracking maps provide the information regarding the detailed relationship between meningiomas and nearby white matter tracts.