Objectives: Flow cytometry provides a powerful tool to assess cells in G0/G1, S and G2/M phase and ploidy. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation between diffusion tensor (DTI) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI metrics with cell cycle analysis findings in gliomas.
Patients and methods: We studied thirty patients who were operated on for glioma. DTI and DSC MRI were performed within a week prior to surgical excision. Lesion/normal ratios were calculated for the ADC, FA and rCBV. In an excised tumour sample flow cytometric analysis was performed.
Results: There were 24 glioblastomas, 2 anaplastic astrocytomas, 1 oligoastrocytoma and 3 diffuse astrocytomas. There were significant differences between low and high-grade gliomas for rCBV and ADC values. Low grade tumours had higher G0/G1 phase fraction and lower S-phase, G2/M, S+G2/M and S+G2/M/G0/G1 fractions There was a significant negative correlation between rCBV and G0/G1 phase fraction and a positive correlation with G2/M, S+G2/M and the S+G2/M/G0/G1 fraction. Significant correlation was also observed between FA ratio and S+G2/M/G0/G1. There was a negative significant correlation between ADC and S+G2/M and the S+G2/M/G0/G1 fraction. There were 21 (70%) diploid and 9 (30%) aneuploid tumours. No significant difference was found between diploid and aneuploid tumours with respect to rCBV, ADC and FA values.
Conclusion: Dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI and diffusion tensor imaging metrics are correlated to tumour aggressiveness as assessed by cell cycle analysis.
Keywords: Cell cycle; Diffusion tensor imaging; Flow cytometry; Glioma; MRI; Perfusion imaging; Ploidy.
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