Using time-dependent diffusion MRI to investigate brain tumor differentiation

Motivation: Imaging microstructural parameters using limited spectrally edited diffusion (IMPULSED) based on time-dependent diffusion MRI (dMRI) could be utilized to quantify cell size, cellularity, and extracellular space, but its ability to distinguish common brain tumors remains unknown. Goal(s): To determine the capacity of IMPULSED to distinguish between glioma, brain metastases, and meningioma. Approach: Time-dependent dMRI was performed on patients with untreated glioma (n = 24), brain metastases (n = 67), and meningioma (n = 38). These patients’ IMPULSED-based parameters were evaluated and compared. Results: Glioma, brain metastasis, and meningioma have distinctive IMPULSED-based parameters. Impact: IMPULSED-based parameters could distinguish glioma, brain metastases, and meningioma. Time-dependent diffusion MRI is a potential approach for assessing the microstructures of brain tumors.