Research Paper: rCBV- and ADC-based Grading of Meningiomas With Glimpse Into Emerging Molecular Diagnostics

Introduction: This study was conducted to grade meningiomas based on relative Cerebral Blood Volume (rCBV) and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) to help surgeons plan the approach and extent of operation as well as decide on the need of any adjuvant radio/chemo therapy. The current and evolving genomic, proteomic, and spectroscopic technologies are also discussed which can supplement the current radiologic methods and procedures in grading meningiomas. Methods: A total of 35 patients with meningioma prospectively underwent basic MR sequences (T1W, T2W, T2W/FLAIR) in axial, sagittal and coronal planes followed by Diffusion Weighted (DW) imaging having b value of 1000 (minimum ADC values used for analysis). Then, gadobenate dimeglumine/meglumine gadoterate was administered (0.1 mmol/ kg at a rate of 4 mL/s) followed by saline flush (20 mL at a rate of 4 mL/s). Next, T2*W/FFE dynamic images were acquired; dynamics showing maximum fall in intensity was used for creating rCBV and relative Cerebral Blood Flow (rCBF) maps and calculating rCBV. Results: Both maximum rCBV and minimum ADC within the tumor were not significant for differentiating benign from malignant meningiomas. A cut-off maximum rCBV of 2.5 mL/100 g in peritumoral edema was 75% sensitive, 84.6% specific, and 83.3% accurate in differentiating benign from malignant meningiomas. Conclusion: Benign and malignant meningiomas can be differentiated based on maximum rCBV in peritumoral edema but ADC values within the tumor are insignificant in differentiating benign and malignant tumors. rCBV values within tumor, however, may be helpful in subtyping meningiomas, especially transitional and meningothelial meningiomas.