Determining malignancy of brain tumors by analysis of vessel shape

Abstract

Vessels supplying malignant tumors are abnormally shaped. This paper describes a blinded study that assessed tumor malignancy by analyzing vessel shape within MR images of 21 brain tumors prior to surgical resection. The program's assessment of malignancy was then compared to the final histological diagnosis. All tumors were classified correctly as benign or malignant. Of importance, malignancy-associated vessel abnormalities extend outside apparent tumor margins, thus allowing classification of even small or hemorrhagic tumors. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2004.