ROLE OF DIFFUSION-WEIGHTED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FOR BRAIN TUMOR CHARACTERIZATION

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted with the objective to link the results of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the tumor’s histopathological grade. The current study aims to evaluate this and determine the accuracy of diffusion-weighted MRI to determine grade of glioma. Methods: The present study was a hospital-based cross-sectional purposive study. A total of 50 patients undergoing the MR evaluation of the brain with evidence of clinically suspected cerebral mass were enrolled in study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: In our study, the minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was significantly lower for high-grade than for low-grade gliomas (1119.68±138.33 vs. 717.18±154.38, p<0.001). Conclusions: By examining diffusion-weighted images and comparing the ADC of gliomas with the World Health Organization grade, we analyze the potential of ADC in predicting tumor grade through this study.