Imaging brain tumors – 2 – Astrocytomas
Brain tumors are one of the most common diagnoses addressed in neuroradiology. This covers a wide spectrum of disease, from primary brain tumors like gliomas and glioblastomas to secondary disease like metastases. This lecture covers the spectrum of the most common brain tumors, with an emphasis on primary brain tumors.
This video discusses imaging and genetic features of astrocytomas, including low grade astrocytomas (WHO grade 2), anaplastic astrocytoma (grade 3), and glioblastoma (grade 4). By definition, these tumors have intact 1p19q. They can have either IDH mutation or IDH wild type, and IDH mutation is associated with increased survival. Higher grade tumors are more likely to have more mass effect, more enhancement, and less well-defined margins.
Additional videos in the playlist will address the imaging findings of other types of brain tumors, such as oligodendrogliomas, other low grade glial tumors,and non-glial tumors. Other videos address general topics in brain tumor imaging, how to form a differential diagnosis for a brain tumor, and some challenge cases to apply your skills.
The level of this lecture is appropriate for radiology residents, radiology fellows, and trainees in other specialties who have an interest in neuroradiology or may see patients with brain tumors.