Quantitative diffusion — Weighted imaging apparent diffusion coefficient values and perfusion — Weighted imaging relative cerebral blood volume in characterization of mixed gliomas (Grading II/III)

Abstract

The paper reports a quantitative analysis of the data provided by the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The objective of this study was to establish if there was a connection between ADC values and rCBV, specifically in anaplastic gliomas (classified as WHO III grade) but with lower cellular malignancy at the surrounding area (WHO II grade). A number of 10 patients were examined with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI). The minimum, maximum and mean for ADC values and for rCBV have been calculated. As a result, we determined the ranges of ADC values and rCBV for mixed G II/III gliomas and we found a gradual increase of the rCBV while the ADC value decreases, most evident in the correlation of minimum ADC value and maximum relative CBV. In conclusion, significant information was obtained by correlating ADC values with rCBV.