MRI internal segmentation of optic pathway gliomas: Clinical implementation of a novel algorithm

Ben Shofty, Lior Weizman, Leo Joskowicz, Shlomi Constantini*, Anat Kesler, Dafna Ben-Bashat, Michal Yalon, Rina Dvir, Sigal Freedman, Jonathan Roth, Liat Ben-Sira

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) are diagnosed based on typical MR features and require careful monitoring with serial MRI. Reliable, serial radiological comparison of OPGs is a difficult task, where accuracy becomes very important for clinical decisions on treatment initiation and results. Current radiological methodology usually includes linear measurements that are limited in terms of precision and reproducibility. Method: We present a method that enables semiautomated segmentation and internal classification of OPGs using a novel algorithm. Our method begins with co-registration of the different sequences of an MR study so that T1 and T2 slices are realigned. The follow-up studies are then re-sliced according to the baseline study. The baseline tumor is segmented, with internal components classified into solid non-enhancing, solid-enhancing, and cystic components, and the volume is calculated. Tumor demarcation is then transferred onto the next study and the process repeated. Numerical values are correlated with clinical data such as treatment and visual ability. Results: We have retrospectively implemented our method on 24 MR studies of three OPG patients. Clinical case reviews are presented here. The volumetric results have been correlated with clinical data and their implications are also discussed. Conclusions: The heterogeneity of OPGs, the long course, and the young age of the patients are all driving the demand for more efficient and accurate means of tumor follow-up. This method may allow better understanding of the natural history of the tumor and provide a more advanced means of treatment evaluation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1265-1272
Number of pages8
JournalChild's Nervous System
Volume27
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2011

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Acknowledgment This work was supported by the Gilbert Israeli Neurofibromatosis Center. This work was performed in partial fulfillment of the M.D. thesis requirements of the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University.

Keywords

  • Glioma
  • Neurofibromatosis
  • Optic pathway
  • Segmentation
  • Volumetric

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