Early detection of recurrent medulloblastoma: the critical role of diffusion-weighted imaging.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Imaging diagnosis of medulloblastoma recurrence relies heavily on identifying new contrast-enhancing lesions on surveillance imaging, with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) being used primarily for detection of complications. We propose that DWI is more sensitive in detecting distal and leptomeningeal recurrent medulloblastoma than T1-weighted postgadolinium imaging.

Methods

We identified 53 pediatric patients with medulloblastoma, 21 of whom developed definitive disease recurrence within the brain. MRI at diagnosis of recurrence and 6 months prior was evaluated for new lesions with reduced diffusion on DWI, contrast enhancement, size, and recurrence location.

Results

All recurrent medulloblastoma lesions demonstrated reduced diffusion. Apparent diffusion co

SUBMITTER: Aboian MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6213943 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature