Role of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Surgical Planning and Outcome Prediction in Glioma: A Prospective Study DTI in Glioma surgery planning and outcome prediction
International Clinical Neuroscience Journal,
Vol. 12 No. Continuous (2025),
25 January 2026
,
Page 1-5
https://doi.org/10.22037/icnj.v12iContinuous.48476
Abstract
Background: Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) offers a unique, non-invasive approach to mapping white matter (WM) tracts and assessing their involvement in gliomas. This study explores the role of DTI in preoperative planning and predicting surgical outcomes in glioma patients.
Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 72 patients with newly diagnosed gliomas. All underwent conventional MRI and DTI. WM tract involvement was classified as displaced, infiltrated, or disrupted. Surgical strategy and extent of resection were based on DTI findings. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated neurologically and radiologically.
Results: Among the 72 patients (mean age 44.35 years), 54.2% had low-grade and 45.8% had high-grade gliomas. DTI patterns were: displaced (54.2%), infiltrated (22.2%), and disrupted (23.6%). Gross total resection was achieved in 54.2%. Displaced patterns correlated with higher total resection and better postoperative outcomes. In contrast, disrupted patterns were associated with greater postoperative neurological deterioration.
Conclusion: DTI provides critical information on WM tract integrity and guides safer, more effective surgical approaches in glioma. Its integration into preoperative planning significantly influences the extent of resection and postoperative outcomes.
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging; Glioma, White Matter Tracts; Surgical Planning; Outcome Prediction
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References
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