Echo-planar MR cerebral blood volume mapping of gliomas. Clinical utility

Acta Radiol. 1995 Sep;36(5):520-8.

Abstract

Neovascularization is a common phenomenon in gliomas. MR imaging cerebral blood volume (CBV) mapping utilizes ultrasfast echo-planar imaging and simultaneous use of gadolinium-based contrast material. To determine the utility of MR CBV mapping in the clinical evaluation of gliomas, we followed 15 patients with serial studies. This technique provided functional information that was not evident with conventional CT or MR imaging. Low-grade tumors demonstrated homogeneously low CBV, while high-grade tumors often showed areas of both high and low CBV. The maximum tumor CBV/white matter ratio was compared between low- (n = 3) and high-grade gliomas (n = 5) in patients without previous treatment and with histologic verification (n = 8) and was significantly higher in high-grade gliomas (p < 0.01). High CBV foci in nonenhancing tumor areas were present in 2 cases. The distinction between radiation necrosis and active tumor could be made correctly in 3 of 4 cases. The information provided by MR CBV mapping has the potential to be an adjunct in the clinical care of glioma patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping
  • Brain Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation*
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Gadolinium
  • Gadolinium DTPA
  • Glioma / blood supply*
  • Glioma / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Pentetic Acid / analogs & derivatives

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Pentetic Acid
  • Gadolinium
  • Gadolinium DTPA