Measuring Brain Tumor Consistency Using Magnetic Resonance Elastography

Measuring Brain Tumor Consistency Using Magnetic Resonance Elastography

This clinical trial tests whether a new imaging technique called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is useful in determining the consistency of brain tumors and whether this could be used to guide surgical planning and choice of approach (the type of surgery that is needed) for patients with brain tumors. Comparing MRE with the typical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may help researchers assess the quality, reliability, and diagnostic utility of this scan when evaluating brain tumors.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. Examine tolerance interval of MRE measurement in kilopascals (kPa) and associated distribution of percent stiff (hard) and soft tumors above the higher limit and below the lower limit.

II. Through machine learning with MRE and clinical/demographic factors, to identify diagnostic thresholds in separating stiff tumor from soft tumor.

OUTLINE:

Patients undergo MRE scan over 25 minutes before surgery at the time of standard of care pre-operative MRI scan. On the day of surgery, the surgeon grades and records tumor consistency/stiffness during the operation and afterwards.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients 18 years of age or older who undergo surgical resection for brain tumor at Keck Medical Center of University of South Carolina (USC) are eligible for inclusion into this study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who cannot tolerate MRE
• Those ineligible for MRI due to metallic implants, claustrophobia, or body habitus too large to fit in our MRI machine
• Those not undergoing surgical resection of brain tumor
• Children under the age of 18, pregnant women, wards of the state, and prisoners
• There will be no exclusion of patients based on gender, racial or ethnic origin