Predictive value of multimodality MRI using conventional, perfusion, and spectroscopy MR in anaplastic transformation of low-grade oligodendrogliomas

J Neurooncol. 2010 Mar;97(1):73-80. doi: 10.1007/s11060-009-9991-4. Epub 2009 Aug 29.

Abstract

The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and MR perfusion in the follow-up of low-grade gliomas, since conventional MR imaging (MRI) is not reliable in detecting the passage from a low- to high-grade tumor. Twenty-one patients with a World Health Organisation (WHO) grade II glioma were followed up using proton MR spectroscopy, perfusion, and conventional MRIs. Follow-up MRIs had been performed at the third month of evolution and then twice a year, with an average of five MR studies per patient. Five out of the 21 patients had an anaplastic transformation. A choline to creatine ratio (choline/creatine ratio) above 2.4 is associated with an 83% risk of a malignant transformation in an average delay of 15.4 months. The choline/creatine ratio at this threshold was more efficient than perfusion MR in detecting the anaplastic transformation, with sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 94%. An increased choline/creatine ratio seemed to occur an average 15 months before the elevation of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV). The mean annual growth of low-grade glioma was 3.65 mm. A growth rate higher than 3 mm per year was also correlated with greater risk of anaplastic transformation. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy should be recommended in the follow-up of low-grade gliomas since the choline/creatine ratio can predict anaplastic transformation before perfusion abnormalities, with high positive predictive value of 83%.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology
  • Choline / metabolism
  • Contrast Media
  • Creatine / metabolism
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oligodendroglioma / pathology*
  • Protons
  • ROC Curve
  • Regional Blood Flow

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Protons
  • Creatine
  • Choline