Prognostic significance of CT scan in malignant glioma

In 91 malignant gliomas treated with radiation therapy, CT scan which was taken before treatment was reviewed to examine the significance as a prognostic indicator. The irradiation methods and the surgical resectability did not affect the survival. Similarly, the tumor location and the grade of the low density area (LDA) surrounding the contrast enhanced area (CEA) had no significance on the prognosis. As a result of the multi-variate analysis, the histopathologic diagnosis, the CEA size and the CEA pattern were significantly important prognostic factors. Astrocytoma grade III, a CEA diameter of under 4 cm and a homogeneous CEA were favorable indicators of the malignant gliomas. Tumors with a heterogeneous or a ring-like CEA in the diameter of more than 4 cm have the worse prognosis and should be treated extensively by radiation therapy. (author)