[Imaging of gliomas]

Cancer Radiother. 2008 Nov;12(6-7):669-75. doi: 10.1016/j.canrad.2008.07.017. Epub 2008 Oct 14.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The imaging of gliomas, as well as diffuse infiltrative gliomas or as more recently individualized entities, has been profoundly modified these last years. Correlated with the classic morphological MRI, numerous new sequences have appeared that allowed a more metabolic approach of the tumors, such as diffusion, perfusion--related to angiogenesis--and spectroscopy--reflecting metabolic data. Their development in daily practice allows to precise the diagnostic, to definite the more active areas (correlated with the hyperperfused or more metabolic active areas in relation with the Ki67 index) and so optimize the biopsy and/or evaluate the evolution of the lesion. When associated, they allow also and perhaps especially to precise the diagnostic, particularly with other tumoral masses such as lymphomas or metastases that can present misleading patterns, but also with other more benign lesions such as abcesses. Always critically analysed, and reevaluated along the time if necessary, they can sometimes help the histological diagnosis, but never can be used in place of it.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Brain Abscess / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Glioma / blood supply
  • Glioma / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic
  • Oligodendroglioma / pathology