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European Radiology
Published in: European Radiology 8/2018

Open Access 01-08-2018 | Neuro

Glioma imaging in Europe: A survey of 220 centres and recommendations for best clinical practice

Authors: S. C. Thust, S. Heiland, A. Falini, H. R. Jäger, A. D. Waldman, P. C. Sundgren, C. Godi, V. K. Katsaros, A. Ramos, N. Bargallo, M. W. Vernooij, T. Yousry, M. Bendszus, M. Smits

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 8/2018

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Abstract

Objectives

At a European Society of Neuroradiology (ESNR) Annual Meeting 2015 workshop, commonalities in practice, current controversies and technical hurdles in glioma MRI were discussed. We aimed to formulate guidance on MRI of glioma and determine its feasibility, by seeking information on glioma imaging practices from the European Neuroradiology community.

Methods

Invitations to a structured survey were emailed to ESNR members (n=1,662) and associates (n=6,400), European national radiologists’ societies and distributed via social media.

Results

Responses were received from 220 institutions (59% academic). Conventional imaging protocols generally include T2w, T2-FLAIR, DWI, and pre- and post-contrast T1w. Perfusion MRI is used widely (85.5%), while spectroscopy seems reserved for specific indications. Reasons for omitting advanced imaging modalities include lack of facility/software, time constraints and no requests. Early postoperative MRI is routinely carried out by 74% within 24–72 h, but only 17% report a percent measure of resection. For follow-up, most sites (60%) issue qualitative reports, while 27% report an assessment according to the RANO criteria. A minority of sites use a reporting template (23%).

Conclusion

Clinical best practice recommendations for glioma imaging assessment are proposed and the current role of advanced MRI modalities in routine use is addressed.

Key Points

• We recommend the EORTC-NBTS protocol as the clinical standard glioma protocol.
• Perfusion MRI is recommended for diagnosis and follow-up of glioma.
• Use of advanced imaging could be promoted with increased education activities.
• Most response assessment is currently performed qualitatively.
• Reporting templates are not widely used, and could facilitate standardisation.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Glioma imaging in Europe: A survey of 220 centres and recommendations for best clinical practice
Authors
S. C. Thust
S. Heiland
A. Falini
H. R. Jäger
A. D. Waldman
P. C. Sundgren
C. Godi
V. K. Katsaros
A. Ramos
N. Bargallo
M. W. Vernooij
T. Yousry
M. Bendszus
M. Smits
Publication date
01-08-2018
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Radiology / Issue 8/2018
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-018-5314-5

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