The 2021 WHO Classification for Gliomas and Implications on Imaging Diagnosis: Part 2-Summary of Imaging Findings on Pediatric-Type Diffuse High-Grade Gliomas, Pediatric-Type Diffuse Low-Grade Gliomas, and Circumscribed Astrocytic Gliomas

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2023 Sep;58(3):690-708. doi: 10.1002/jmri.28740. Epub 2023 Apr 17.

Abstract

The fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of central nervous system tumors published in 2021 advances the role of molecular diagnostics in the classification of gliomas by emphasizing integrated diagnoses based on histopathology and molecular information and grouping tumors based on genetic alterations. This Part 2 review focuses on the molecular diagnostics and imaging findings of pediatric-type diffuse high-grade gliomas, pediatric-type diffuse low-grade gliomas, and circumscribed astrocytic gliomas. Each tumor type in pediatric-type diffuse high-grade glioma mostly harbors a distinct molecular marker. On the other hand, in pediatric-type diffuse low-grade gliomas and circumscribed astrocytic gliomas, molecular diagnostics may be extremely complicated at a glance in the 2021 WHO classification. It is crucial for radiologists to understand the molecular diagnostics and imaging findings and leverage the knowledge in clinical practice. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

Keywords: World Health Organization; central nervous system neoplasms; glioma; magnetic resonance imaging.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms*
  • Child
  • Glioma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Glioma* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • World Health Organization