Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of treatment-associated changes in recurrent and residual medulloblastoma: preliminary observations in three children

Abstract

Purpose: To emphasize a possible role of magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for lesion conspicuity and detection of treatment effects in children with medulloblastoma. Material and Methods: Three children with medulloblastoma (two residual and one recurrent) were examined repetitively by MR diffusion-weighted imaging. Regional assessment of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was done for tumorous lesions and periventricular white matter appearing normal on standard MR images. Results: All lesions were clearly visible on DWI. In the case of recurrent tumor, on one scan, DWI showed lesions that were not seen on contrast-enhanced MRI. Increase (41%) of ADC was seen in one lesion, which subsequently responded completely to treatment over 27 months' follow-up. Intermediate increases (23–26%) of ADC were found with partial therapy response in three lesions. In contrast, a decrease (-11%) of ADC in two lesions was seen with tumor progression. Conclusion: These observations may suggest a role for DWI in early detection of metastatic disease and treatment monitoring of medulloblastoma, warranting a formal study.