Quantitative imaging values of CT, MR, and FDG-PET to differentiate pineal parenchymal tumors and germinomas: Are they useful?

Takahide Kakigi, Tomohisa Okada, Mitsunori Kanagaki, Akira Yamamoto, Yasutaka Fushimi, Ryo Sakamoto, Yoshiki Arakawa, Yoshiki Mikami, Taro Shimono, Jun C. Takahashi, Kaori Togashi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Quantitative values of CT attenuation, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and standardized uptake value (SUV) were investigated for differentiation between pineal parenchymal tumors (PPTs) and germinomas. Differences in age, sex, and calcification pattern were also evaluated. Methods: Twenty-three patients with PPTs and germinomas in 20 years were retrospectively enrolled under the approval of the institutional review board. CT attenuation, ADC, and SUV (20, 13, and 10 patients, respectively) were statistically compared between the two tumors. Differences in sex and patterns of calcification ("exploded" or "engulfed") were also examined. Mean patient ages were compared among three groups of pineoblastoma, pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation, (PPTID) and pineocytoma and germinoma. Results: None of the quantitative values of CT attenuation, ADC, and SUV showed significant differences between PPTs and germinomas (p>.05). However, there was a significant difference in age (p<.05) among the three groups of pineoblastoma (mean age ± standard deviation 7.0±8.7 years), PPTID, and pineocytoma (53.7±11.4 years) and germinoma (19.1±8.1 years). Sex also showed significant differences between PPTs and germinomas (p=.039). Exploded pattern of calcification was found in 9 of 11 PPT patients and engulfed pattern in 7 of 9 patients with germinomas. No reverse pattern was observed, and the patterns of calcification were considered highly specific of tumor types. Conclusions: None of the quantitative imaging values could differentiate PPTs from germinomas. Age, sex, and calcification patterns were confirmed useful in differentiating these tumors to some degree.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)297-303
Number of pages7
JournalNeuroradiology
Volume56
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Apparent diffusion coefficient
  • CT attenuation
  • Germinoma
  • Pineal tumor
  • Standardized uptake value

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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