The Use of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in the Differentiation and Surgical Planning of Suprasellar Hypothalamic-Opticochiasmatic Glioma and Craniopharyngioma in Children.

BACKGROUND

Suprasellar hypothalamic-opticochiasmatic glioma (HOCG) and craniopharyngioma (CP) have similar appearances on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and are difficult to distinguish. Moreover, these tumors are situated near vital structures like the optic chiasm and hypothalamus, rendering conventional surgery susceptible to significant complications. We mainly discussed the surgical application value and diagnostic value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in HOCG and CP.

METHODS

The retrospective analysis of 13 cases of HOCG and 16 cases of CP was conducted. All patients underwent conventional MRI and DTI prior to surgery, and were pathologically diagnosed postoperatively.

RESULTS

Both CP and HOCG appeared as heterogeneous mixed signal masses on conventional MRI. For HOCGs, fiber tractography revealed 2 different growth patterns of the tumor: infiltrative type and inflated type. The surgical approach and risk levels differ between these growth patterns. Additionally, fiber tractography demonstrates significant differences compared to CPs. The surgical approach and extent of resection for all cases of these 2 tumors were guided by DTI.

CONCLUSIONS

DTI enhances the accuracy of HOCG and CP differentiation. Furthermore, patterns of tractography described in this study assist neurosurgeons in delineating the surgical pathway and tumor resection range without damaging important fiber bundles, thereby avoiding permanent neurological deficits and improving survival quality for patients.