MR perfusion-weighted imaging may help in differentiating between nonenhancing gliomas and nonneoplastic lesions in the cervicomedullary junction

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the ability of dynamic susceptibility-weighted contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion imaging (DSC-PWI) in distinguishing between nonenhancing gliomas and nonenhancing, nonneoplastic lesions in the cervicomedullary junction region. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study involved eight patients with nonenhancing gliomas in the medulla oblongata and eight patients with nonenhancing nonneoplastic lesions. The relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) ratios, peak heights, and percentage of signal intensity recovery derived from time-signal intensity curves of these nonenhancing lesions were compared. Results: The mean peak height of nonenhancing gliomas was significantly higher than the value of their reference regions of interest (ROIs). In contrast, mean peak height of nonneoplastic lesions was significantly lower than their reference ROIs. The mean peak height and mean maximal rCBV ratio of nonenhancing gliomas were significantly higher than those of nonenhancing, nonneoplastic lesions (P<0.05). There was no significant difference with regard to percentage of signal intensity recovery between the two groups. Conclusion: DSC-PWI could be a useful adjuvant tool to differentiate between nonenhancing gliomas and nonenhancing, nonneoplastic lesions in the cervicomedullary junction region. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.