Comparison of different methods of neuroimaging in differential diagnosis of the recurrence of malignant brain tumors and radiation necrosis

Abstract

The problem of differential diagnosis of recurrent gliomas and radiation necrosis is still of current interest. The contrast enhancement for these different states appears similar in magnetic resonance imaging, and is the result of damage to the blood-brain barrier. Magnetic resonance perfusion allows us to investigate the blood flow in the enhanced area in contrast and determine its quantitative indicators. Comparison of the enhanced areas with signs of hyper- and hypoperfusion and radiopharmaceutical activity with positron emission tomography will improve the differential diagnosis of recurrence and radiation necrosis. 154 test conducted at different stages of treatment were examined. We revealed 48 recurrence and 8 of radiation damage, which manifested in contrast enhancement with signs of hyper- and hypoperfusion, respectively, and we also noted the coincidence of reccurence areas with increased radiopharmaceutical activity areas. There are no significant differences with MR diffusion for differential diagnosis. Refs 8. Figs 2. Tables 4.