The significance of lack of MR contrast enhancement of supratentorial brain tumors in adults: Histopathological evaluation of a series

Lawrence E. Ginsberg, Gregory N. Fuller, Masood Hashmi, Norman E. Leeds, Donald F. Schomer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

215 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To correlate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of non-enhancement of supratentorial brain neoplasms in adults with histopathologic findings. METHODS: Forty adult patients whose preoperative MRI studies demonstrated a non-enhancing supratentorial brain neoplasm were identified retrospectively. Biopsy material for all patients was then reviewed by a board-certified neuropathologist. RESULTS: Histopathologic examination identified 24 (60%) low-grade gliomas: 4 (10%) low-grade astrocytomas, 10 (25%) low-grade gliomas (not further classified), 8 (20%) low-grade oligodendrogliomas, and 2 (5%) low-grade mixed oligoastrocytomas. However, 16 (40%) nonenhancing lesions were classified as anaplastic gliomas: 12 (30%) anaplastic astrocytomas, 1 (2.5%) anaplastic mixed oligoastrocytoma, 1 (2.5%) anaplastic oligodendroglioma, and 2 (5%) anaplastic infiltrating gliomas of indeterminate subtype. CONCLUSION: Non-enhancement of supratentorial brain neoplasms in adults does not equate with low-grade malignancy. This fact should be taken into account when biopsy and treatment are being planned in patients with nonenhancing brain tumors. More aggressive and/or surgical therapy might be indicated for such lesions, particularly those in the nondominant hemisphere or nonmotor areas.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)436-440
Number of pages5
JournalSurgical Neurology
Volume49
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Brain tumors
  • Contrast enhancement
  • Magnetic resonance imaging

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Clinical Neurology

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