Ultra-high b-value DWI accurately identifies isocitrate dehydrogenase genotypes and tumor subtypes of adult-type diffuse gliomas.

Abstract

To distinguish isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genotypes and tumor subtypes of adult-type diffuse gliomas based on the fifth edition of the World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors (WHO CNS5) in 2021 using standard, high, and ultra-high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). This prospective study enrolled 70 patients with adult-type diffuse gliomas who underwent multiple b-value DWI. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values including ADC_b500/b1000, ADC_b500/b2000, ADC_b500/b3000, ADC_b500/b4000, ADC_b500/b6000, ADC_b500/b8000, and ADC_b500/b10000 in tumor parenchyma (TP) and contralateral normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) were calculated. The ADC ratios of TP/NAWM were assessed for correlations with IDH genotypes, tumor subtypes, and Ki-67 status; diagnostic performances were compared. All ADCs were significantly higher in IDH mutant gliomas than in IDH wild-type gliomas (p < 0.01 for all); ADC_b500/b8000 had the highest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.866. All ADCs were significantly lower in glioblastoma than in astrocytoma (p < 0.01 for all). ADCs other than ADC_b500/b1000 were significantly lower in glioblastoma than in oligodendroglioma (p < 0.05 for all). ADC_b500/b8000 and ADC_b500/b10000 were significantly higher in oligodendroglioma than in astrocytoma (p = 0.034 and 0.023). The highest AUCs were 0.818 for ADC_b500/b6000 when distinguishing glioblastoma from astrocytoma, 0.979 for ADC_b500/b8000 and ADC_b500/b10000 when distinguishing glioblastoma from oligodendroglioma, and 0.773 for ADC_b500/b10000 when distinguishing astrocytoma from oligodendroglioma. Additionally, all ADCs were negatively correlated with Ki-67 status (p < 0.05 for all). Ultra-high b-value DWI can reliably separate IDH genotypes and tumor subtypes of adult-type diffuse gliomas using WHO CNS5 criteria. Ultra-high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging can accurately distinguish isocitrate dehydrogenase genotypes and tumor subtypes of adult-type diffuse gliomas, which may facilitate personalized treatment and prognostic assessment for patients with glioma. • Ultra-high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging can accurately distinguish subtle differences in water diffusion among biological tissues. • Ultra-high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging can reliably separate isocitrate dehydrogenase genotypes and tumor subtypes of adult-type diffuse gliomas. • Compared with standard b-value diffusion-weighted imaging, high and ultra-high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging demonstrate better diagnostic performances.