Comparative Analysis of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features Between Anaplastic Meningioma and Atypical Meningioma

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the differences in the imaging feature between anaplastic meningioma (World Health Organization grade III) and atypical meningioma (World Health Organization grade II), summarize its specificity of image features, and provide the basis for accurate preoperative diagnosis. METHODS: The magnetic resonance imaging features of 20 patients of anaplastic meningioma were compared with those of 30 patients of atypical meningioma retrospectively, all of which were confirmed by surgery and pathology. The imaging features of the 2 groups of tumors were statistically analyzed using χ tests. RESULTS: The 2 tumor types differed in several features, including lobulated or irregular shape (P < 0.05), cystic and necrotic changes (P < 0.05), peritumoral edema (P < 0.05), and brain-tumor interface (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in hemorrhage, homogeneous enhancement of the tumor, dural tail sign, or adjacent bone change (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in the imaging feature between anaplastic meningioma and atypical meningioma can improve the differential diagnosis and allow a more appropriate approach to therapy. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: The article focuses on examining the differences of the magnetic resonance imaging features between anaplastic meningiomas and atypical meningiomas have been examined in only a few studies.