Can MRI differentiate between ring‐enhancing gliomas and intra‐axial abscesses?

Carloni, A. et al. (2022) Can MRI differentiate between ring‐enhancing gliomas and intra‐axial abscesses? Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound, 63(5), pp. 563-572. (doi: 10.1111/vru.13098) (PMID:35509117)

Abstract

Gliomas of the brain may appear as expansile ring-enhancing masses in MRI studies, mimicking the appearance of intra-axial abscesses. The aims of this study were to compare the MRI features of ring-enhancing gliomas and intra-axial brain abscesses in dogs and cats and to identify the characteristics that might help differentiate them. For this multicenter, retrospective, and observational study, the inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) a definitive diagnosis of glioma or abscess based on cytological or histopathological examination following CSF collection or surgical biopsy/necropsy, respectively; (b) MRI study performed with a high- or low-field MRI scanner, including a same plane T1W pre- and postcontrast, a T2W and a T2 FLAIR sequence in at least one plane. If available, delayed T1W postcontrast, T2*W GE, DWI/ADC, and SWI sequences were also evaluated. Sixteen patients were diagnosed with ring-enhancing gliomas, and 15 were diagnosed with intra-axial abscesses. A homogenous signal on T1W (P = 0.049) and T2W (P = 0.042) sequences, a T2W (P = 0.005) or T2*W GE (P = 0.046) peripheral hypointense halo, and an even enhancing capsule (P = 0.002) were significantly associated with brain abscesses. A progressive central enhancement on delayed T1W postcontrast sequences was correlated with ring-enhancing gliomas (P = 0.009). The combination of the following features was suggestive of brain abscess: homogeneous T1W or T2W signal intensity, a T2W or T2*W GE peripheral hypointense halo and an evenly enhancing capsule. Central progression of enhancement on delayed T1W postcontrast sequences was suggestive of glioma.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gutierrez Quintana, Mr Rodrigo
• Authors: Carloni, A., Bernardini, M., Mattei, C., De Magistris, A. V., Llabres‐Diaz, F., Williams, J., Gutierrez-Quintana, R., Oevermann, A., Schweizer‐Gorgas, D., Finck, C., Masseau, I., Lorenzo, V., Sabatini, A., Contiero, B., and Specchi, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 1058-8183
• ISSN (Online): 1740-8261
• Published Online: 04 May 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 American College of Veterinary Radiology
• First Published: First published in Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound 63(5): 563-572
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy