Functional Information on Meningiomas Through Perfusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This article focuses on the use of perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in particular dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MRI (DSCMRI), to assess hemodynamics in meningiomas. We first introduce the basic principles of DSC-MRI and the most popular imaging techniques and perfusion parameters for data analysis of DSC-MRI. We then review the blood supply characteristics of meningiomas and how perfusion MRI is applied in meningiomas to help the subtyping of different meningiomas and to differentiate between benign and malignant meningiomas. Our firsthand experiences are also included. We conclude that DSC perfusion MRI can provide critical information on the vascularity of meningiomas that is not available with conventional MRI. DSC perfusion MRI measurements are helpful in the pre-operative subtyping and grading of meningiomas.