Correlative between Cerebral Edema and Brain Invasion of Intracranial Tumors

Objective To analyze the relationship between pathological grading of gliomas and degree of brain invasion (density of tumor cells present in peritumoral area) using methods of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and pathology. Methods 1. Fifty-two histologically confirmed cases of intracranial tumors, including thirty gliomas with varying grades, twenty-two meningiomas, were involved in this study. Tumors were classified into different subgroups according to the established pathological standards of brain invasion. 2. The value of edema index (EI) and fractional anisotropy (FA) at the peritumoral region were analyzed respectively by the varying MRI conventional sequences (T-1WI, T-2WI and enhancement) and DTI. 3. Correlation analysis between EI and FA was performed among different tumors and different brain aggressiveness. Results 1. There was significant difference of FA values between the groups according to severity of brain invasion, but no same finding in the other two parameters(EI and ADC). Between gliomas and meningiomas, significant differences of FA, ADC and EI were found. 2. There was significant correlation between EI and ADC values from intra- and inter-group of varying tumors. However, no such differences existed between EI and FA. Conclusion In terms of the results of imaging analysis, there was no significantly correlative between severity of edema of intracranial tumors and the severity of brain invasion.