In vivo MRS study of intraventricular tumors.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of MR spectroscopy (MRS) as a noninvasive tool for characterization of intraventricular brain tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three intraventricular tumors, all histologically classified (11 central neurocytomas [CNC], 5 meningiomas [Men], other intraventricular tumors [OIV], including 2 anaplastic gliomas [WHO III], 1 tumor each of rhabdoid tumor, glioneuronal hamartoma, GBM, hemangiopericytoma, and subependymoma II), were studied by MRS before surgery using a point-resolved spectroscopic sequence (PRESS).

RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (P < 0.03) were observed for NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr between CNCs and OIV. A significant difference (P < 0.01) was observed in the presence of Gly between the CNCs and meningiomas, and CNCs and OIV. In addition, the presence of Ala was also significantly different (P < 0.01) between OIV and meningiomas, and OIV and CNCs.

CONCLUSION: The present study has shown that MRS can be useful in characterizing intraventricular tumor and distinguishing CNCs from meningiomas and other intraventricular tumors. Prior information about intraventricular tumor types could be useful to clinicians in planning treatment and resection strategy.