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Abstract #0839

Characterization of Brain Tumours with Spin-Spin Relaxation: Preliminary Investigations Reveal Unique T2 Distribution Profiles

Cornelia Laule1, 2, Thorarin A. Bjarnason, 23, Irene M. Vavasour2, Anthony L. Traboulsee, G.R. W. Moore1, 4, David K.B. Li2, 4, Alex L. MacKay2, 5

1Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; 2Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; 3Diagnostic Imaging Services, Interior Health, Kelowna, BC, Canada; 4Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; 5Physics & Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada


Our case study attempts to better define the distribution of T2 components in 3 different types of human brain tumours (glioblastoma, oligodendroglioma, meningioma). We used a 48-echo T2 relaxation sequence and employed no apriori assumptions about the number of exponential components contributing to the T2 decay. T2 relaxation time was increased in tumour and each tumour showed a distinct T2 distribution profile. Tumours have complex and unique compartmentalization characteristics and multi-echo T2 relaxation may be useful in evaluating different classes of brain tumours on the basis of their T2 distribution profile. Further study with a larger sample size is warranted.