Abstract
The distinction of radiation-induced brain necrosis (RBN) and recurrent glioblastoma multiform (rGBM) remains a diagnostic challenge due to their similarly on routine follow-up imaging studies and also their clinical manifestations. Our purpose of this review article is to evaluate the role of advanced MR imaging techniques such as Perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI), Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the differentiation of RBN and rGBM and their complications together with our experience and knowledge gained during our neuroimaging practice.
Highlights
It is well-known that GBM is one of the deadliest forms and fast-growing primary brain tumors in adults, with a poor prognosis despite maximal treatment, the standard treatment of patients with GBM include surgical resection and postoperative chemoradiotherapy [1] [2]
Our purpose of this review article is to evaluate the role of advanced MR imaging techniques such as Perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI), Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the differentiation of radiation-induced brain necrosis (RBN) and recurrent glioblastoma multiform (rGBM) and their complications together with our experience and knowledge gained during our neuroimaging practice
Stage radiation-induced brain necrosis has no specificity on CT and conventional MRI, which makes it difficult to differentiate from early stage of tumor recurrence, and this may cause to be misdiagnosed and delayed treatment [10] [11]
Summary
It is well-known that GBM is one of the deadliest forms and fast-growing primary brain tumors in adults, with a poor prognosis despite maximal treatment, the standard treatment of patients with GBM include surgical resection and postoperative chemoradiotherapy [1] [2]. RBN is a serious complication of central nervous system caused by combinatorial therapy of brain tumors. The combinatorial therapy is often used to improve the prognosis and to prolong the survival time of glioma patients, but it causes radiation damage to the CNS, which is the most common side effect in gliomas within two years after treatment [6] [7]. Many radiologists believe that conventional CT or MR scan is not effective tool to differentiate recurrence gliomas from radiation necrosis due to their similar characteristics and clinical manifestations [8]. We will focus the usefulness of advanced MRI techniques in the differentiation of treatment-induced necrosis and recurrent glioblastoma multiform
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
