Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in diagnosing Gliomas

Abstract

Brain tumors, particularly gliomas, present a significant healthcare challenge in India. Accurate glioma grading is vital for determining treatment strategies and prognosis, with histopathology being the gold standard. However, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers a non-invasive and accessible alternative, especially in rural and semi-urban regions with limited surgical facilities. This cross-sectional study evaluates the diagnostic efficacy of MRI, integrating conventional and advanced imaging techniques such as perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), in a cohort of 50 patients with supratentorial gliomas.

MRI demonstrated a sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 88% in detecting high-grade gliomas, with advanced techniques significantly enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Despite limitations in differentiating tumor progression from treatment-induced changes, the study highlights MRI’s role in glioma diagnosis and treatment planning, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Recommendations include increasing accessibility to MRI, training radiologists in advanced imaging, and government initiatives to subsidize imaging costs. This approach could optimize outcomes for glioma patients in diverse socioeconomic settings.