Utilizing the amide proton transfer technique to characterize diffuse gliomas based on the WHO 2021 classification of CNS tumors.

PURPOSE: Diffuse gliomas present a significant challenge for healthcare systems globally. While brain MRI plays a vital role in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring, accurately characterizing gliomas using conventional MRI techniques alone is challenging. In this study, we explored the potential of utilizing the amide proton transfer (APT) technique to predict tumor grade and type based on the WHO 2021 Classification of CNS Tumors. METHODS: Forty-two adult patients with histopathologically confirmed brain gliomas were included in the study. They underwent 3T MRI imaging, which involved APT sequence. Multinomial and binary logistic regression models were employed to classify patients into clinically relevant groups based on MRI findings and demographic variables. RESULTS: We found that the best model for tumor grade classification included patient age along with APT values. The highest sensitivity (88%) was observed for Grade 4 tumors, while Grade 3 tumors showed the highest specificity (79%). For tumor type classification, our model incorporated four predictors: APT values, patient's age, necrosis, and the presence of hemorrhage. The glioblastoma group had the highest sensitivity and specificity (87%), whereas balanced accuracy was the lowest for astrocytomas (0.73). CONCLUSION: The APT technique shows great potential for noninvasive evaluation of diffuse gliomas. The changes in the classification of gliomas as per the WHO 2021 version of the CNS Tumor Classification did not affect its usefulness in predicting tumor grade or type.

Masseter-to-Facial Cranial Nerve Anastomosis: A Report of 30 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Facial nerve paralysis (FP) is a possible complication of cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery. Several donor nerves have been used in the past for facial reanimation. We report the results of 30 cases of masseter-to-facial anastomosis. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of V to VII anastomosis after FP. METHODS: In a prospective study, we included 30 consecutive patients with FP (20 women and 10 men) whose mean age was 48.8 yr (32-76 yr). In almost all cases, FP developed after cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery (29 patients), whereas in one case, FP occurred after skull base trauma. Pre- and postoperative evaluation of facial nerve function was performed using the House-Brackmann (HB) scale and the Sokolovsky scale, as well as by electromyography. Follow-up ranged from 11 to 51 mo and averaged 22 mo. RESULTS: All patients achieved functional recovery of the facial nerve from VI to either III or IV HB degree. Patients with short time FP showed significantly better postoperative recovery. CONCLUSION: The results of the V to VII anastomosis demonstrate a significant improvement of facial nerve function and virtually no complications.