Accuracy of apparent diffusion coefficient values and magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating suprasellar germinomas from chiasmatic/hypothalamic gliomas.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to differentiate suprasellar germinomas from chiasmatic/hypothalamic gliomas (CHGs) using apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 11 patients with suprasellar germinomas and 11 patients with CHGs who underwent pretreatment MRI. The ADC values (minimum and average ADC values) of the tumors were measured and the MRI characteristics were evaluated.

RESULTS

The average and minimum ADC values of suprasellar germinomas were significantly lower than those of CHGs ( = 0.016 and 0.004 respectively). The selection of 941.15 × 10 mm/s as a cutoff value of the minimum ADC value was used to differentiate suprasellar germinomas and CHGs; the best results were obtained with area under the curve of 0.889, sensitivity of 87.5%, specificity of 77.8% and accuracy of 82.4%. MRI characteristics suggested the diagnosis of suprasellar germinomas were T2W hypointensity and involvement of pituitary gland and/or stalk. MRI characteristics suggested the diagnosis of CHGs was higher degree of contrast enhancement and presence of macrocysts.

CONCLUSION

ADC values have a role in differentiating suprasellar germinomas and CHGs, especially when imaging findings on conventional MRI are inconclusive. Furthermore, some MRI features are in favor of differentiation between these tumor entities including tumor location, cyst pattern, T2W hypointensity, degree of contrast enhancement, stalk and pituitary gland involvement.