Dynamic susceptibility-contrast magnetic resonance imaging with contrast agent leakage correction aids in predicting grade in pediatric brain tumours: A multicenter study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) measured using dynamic susceptibility-contrast MRI can differentiate between low- and high-grade pediatric brain tumors. Multicenter studies are required for translation into clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: We compared leakage-corrected dynamic susceptibility-contrast MRI perfusion parameters acquired at multiple centers in low- and high-grade pediatric brain tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-five pediatric patients underwent pre-treatment dynamic susceptibility-contrast MRI scans at four centers. MRI protocols were variable. We analyzed data using the Boxerman leakage-correction method producing pixel-by-pixel estimates of leakage-uncorrected (rCBVuncorr) and corrected (rCBVcorr) relative cerebral blood volume, and the leakage parameter, K2. Histological diagnoses were obtained. Tumors were classified by high-grade tumor. We compared whole-tumor median perfusion parameters between low- and high-grade tumors and across tumor types. RESULTS: Forty tumors were classified as low grade, 45 as high grade. Mean whole-tumor median rCBVuncorr was higher in high-grade tumors than low-grade tumors (mean +/- standard deviation [SD] = 2.37+/-2.61 vs. -0.14+/-5.55; P was higher in high-grade tumors than low-grade tumors (mean +/- standard deviation [SD] = 2.37+/-2.61 vs. -0.14+/-5.55; P2=0.017+/-0.049 vs. 0.002+/-0.017). Parameters varied with tumor type but not center. Median rCBVuncorr was higher (mean = 1.49 vs. 0.49; P=0.015) and K2 lower (mean = 0.005 vs. 0.016; P=0.013) in children who received a pre-bolus of contrast agent compared to those who did not. Leakage correction removed the difference. CONCLUSION: Dynamic susceptibility-contrast MRI acquired at multiple centers helped distinguish between children's brain tumors. Relative cerebral blood volume was significantly higher in high-grade compared to low-grade tumors and differed among common tumor types. Vessel leakage correction is required to provide accurate rCBV, particularly in low-grade enhancing tumors. Copyright © 2022. The Author(s).