The diffusion weighted imaging and its contribution to the distinction of brain tumour

Objective: The meningiomas, glioma and pituitary adenoma are primary intracranial tumours. The identification and grading of these tumours are inexplicable with conventional magnetic resonance imaging. Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) is a technique in magnetic resonance imaging which has bought distinctive change in recognizing tumours. The aim of this study is to estimate the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and its significance in differentiating three intracranial tumours that includes Meningioma, Gliomas and Pituitary adenomas. Design: It is retrospective study containing 24 patients with DWI which includes patients with meningiomas (n = 12), glioma (n = 8) and pituitary adenoma (n = 4). Method: The ADC values from the healthy and tumour core are recorded from the region of interest (ROI) and are analysed with Stejskal-Tanner equation. Result: There is low ADC value detected in the tumour core of meningioma, glioma and pituitary adenoma than the healthy brain tissue. A significance difference of ADC values is recorded between meningiomas and gliomas during their comparison. In this study a ADC value of 0.87 ± 0.18 X 10-3 mm2/s in pituitary adenomas indicates a soft consistency of the tumour. Conclusion: The ADC and their cutoff values provide essential information on characterization, grading and consistency of the tumour facilitating proper identification and treatment.