3D MRE-Based Evaluation of Meningioma Mechanical Properties and Histological Features

China Medical University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Meningioma

Treatments: Procedure: Intraoperative Assessment and Recording; Diagnostic Test: Magnetic Resonance Elastography

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06955208

2022_meningioma

Details and patient eligibility

About

This prospective single-center study aims to evaluate the feasibility and clinical utility of three-dimensional magnetic resonance elastography (3D MRE) in assessing tumor stiffness and adhesion in patients with meningioma undergoing surgical resection. By correlating preoperative MRE-derived stiffness and adhesion maps with intraoperative findings and histopathological features, the study seeks to determine whether MRE can serve as a noninvasive imaging biomarker for surgical planning, risk stratification, and prediction of tumor behavior.

Full description

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors and are often surgically resectable. However, the intraoperative texture and adhesion of the tumor to surrounding structures vary widely and directly impact the surgical approach, difficulty, and outcomes. Current preoperative imaging lacks the ability to quantitatively assess biomechanical properties such as stiffness and adhesion, which are critical for neurosurgical planning.

This prospective clinical trial investigates the application of 3D magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in characterizing the biomechanical properties of meningiomas. Specifically, it aims to quantify tumor stiffness and adhesion using MRE-derived shear modulus maps and correlate these measurements with intraoperative surgeon-assessed stiffness/adhesion scores and postoperative histopathology. The study will also assess the diagnostic performance of MRE in predicting challenging resections, high tumor adhesion, and histological subtypes.

Approximately 300 patients with radiologically confirmed meningioma scheduled for elective resection will be enrolled. Participants will undergo standard MRI and additional 3D MRE scanning. Intraoperative findings including tumor stiffness, adhesion, blood supply, and resection difficulty will be systematically recorded. Postoperative pathological analysis will include tumor grade and histological subtype. Statistical analyses will evaluate correlations, diagnostic accuracy, and potential prognostic value.

Findings from this study may support the use of 3D MRE as a valuable noninvasive tool in preoperative assessment of meningiomas, helping optimize surgical strategies, reduce complications, and inform treatment decisions.

Enrollment: 300 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 80 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• All patients undergoing meningeoma resection surgery are eligible for inclusion in the study cohort.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with metallic implants or foreign bodies in their bodies (pacemakers, artificial metallic heart valves, metal joints, metal implants, and those who can not remove dentures, insulin pumps, or contraceptive rings)
• Pregnant women in the first trimester (within three months)
• Patients with severe claustrophobia or anxiety
• Patients with severe fever
• Patients who can not tolerate MRE
• Patients with vascular malformations and aneurysms.
• Patients who do not sign an informed consent

Trial design

Primary purpose: Diagnostic

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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300 participants in 1 patient group

MRE-Guided Surgery Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group will undergo preoperative three-dimensional magnetic resonance elastography (3D MRE) in addition to routine MRI. MRE will be used to quantify tumor stiffness and generate a three-dimensional adhesion map. These imaging findings will be provided to the neurosurgical team prior to surgery to assist in planning the surgical approach and anticipating tumor consistency and adhesiveness. Intraoperative outcomes such as resection time, blood loss, and dissection difficulty will be recorded and analyzed in relation to preoperative MRE parameters.

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Magnetic Resonance Elastography

Procedure: Intraoperative Assessment and Recording