Apparent diffusion coefficient maps obtained from high b value diffusion-weighted imaging in the preoperative evaluation of gliomas at 3T: comparison with standard b value diffusion-weighted imaging.

Abstract

To assess whether ADC maps obtained from high b value DWI were more valuable in preoperatively evaluating the grade, Ki-67 index and outcome of gliomas. Sixty-three patients with gliomas, who underwent preoperative multi b value DWI at 3T, were enrolled. The ADC1000, ADC2000 and ADC3000 maps were generated. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted to determine the area under the curve (AUC) in differentiating high-grade gliomas (HGG) from low-grade gliomas (LGG). Pearson correlation coefficients (R value) were calculated to investigate the correlation between parameters with the Ki-67 proliferation index. Survival analysis was conducted by using Cox regression. The AUC of the mean ADC1000 value (0.820) was lower than that of the mean ADC2000 value (0.847) and mean ADC3000 value (0.875) in differentiating HGG from LGG. The R value of the mean ADC1000 value (-0.499) was less negative than that of the mean ADC2000 value (-0.530) and mean ADC3000 value (-0.567). The mean ADC3000 value was an independent prognosis factor for gliomas (p = 0.008), while the mean ADC1000 and ADC2000 values were not. ADC maps obtained from high b value DWI might be a better imaging biomarker in the preoperative evaluation of gliomas. • ADC 3000 maps could improve the differentiation between HGG and LGG. • The mean ADC 3000 value had a closer correlation with the Ki-67 index. • The mean ADC 3000 value was an independent prognosis factor for gliomas.