Investigation of the Correlation Between Preoperative Diffusion Tensor Imaging Parameters and Histopathological Findings in Patients with Meningioma

Objective: Our study aimed to investigate whether the tumor differs in terms of apparent diffusion coefficient and fractional anisotropy values, mitotic index, and Ki-67 proliferation index in cases with transitional and atypical meningioma.

Methods: Forty-five patients (14 male and 31 female; 57±13.98 years old) were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging before surgery. Apparent diffusion coefficient and fractional anisotropy values of the tumor were determined. Patients with atypical meningioma were classified as group 1 and those with transitional meningioma were considered group 2. The relationship between fractional anisotropy, apparent diffusion coefficient, Ki-67 proliferation index, and mitotic index was evaluated. Fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient values of atypical meningiomas and transitional meningiomas were compared. Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare the groups.

Results: Significant differences were found between group 1 and group 2 in terms of mitotic index and Ki-67 proliferation index (respectively, P = .001 and P = .000). There was no statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 2 in terms of fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient values. In group 1, there was a positive correlation between fractional anisotropy values and mitotic index (P = .02, r = 0.421). Also, a negative correlation was found between apparent diffusion coefficient values and mitotic index (P = .04, r = −0.374). A negative correlation was found between apparent diffusion coefficient values and Ki-67 proliferation index in group 2 (P = .009, r = −0.614).

Conclusions: In preoperative imaging, adding diffusion tensor imaging to conventional magnetic resonance imaging and measuring fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient values to predict the grade of meningiomas can be a guide for treatment planning.

Cite this article as: Alkan EO, Sarı L, Balsak S, Çelik Yabul F, Altıntaş F, Çoban G. Investigation of the correlation between preoperative diffusion tensor imaging parameters and histopathological findings in patients with meningioma. Current Research in MRI. 2022; 1(1): 15-17.