Non-invasive radiological biomarkers and signs of meningiomas as a prognostic tool for predicting tumor histological grade/ Meningiomu neinvazīvie radioloģiskie biomarķieri un pazīmes kā prognostisks instruments audzēja histoloģiskās pakāpes prognozēšanā

Meningiomas are one of the most common intracranial tumors, accounting for up to one-third of all primary brain tumors. The clinical course and treatment outcomes vary significantly depending on the tumor’s histological grade (WHO grades 1–3, 2021), which determines both the extent of surgical resection and the need for adjuvant therapy. Although the definitive diagnosis is established histologically, obtaining a tissue sample is not always possible or safe in clinical practice; therefore, expanding the possibilities of non-invasive diagnostics is particularly important.

In recent years, studies published internationally—including systematic reviews and meta-analyses—have confirmed the significance of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography parameters in differentiating meningiomas. Important prognostic indicators include the character of tumor borders, the intensity of contrast enhancement, the extent of perifocal edema, necrosis, hemorrhagic components, and bone infiltration or hyperostosis. Available systematic reviews and meta-analyses consistently highlight substantial heterogeneity in the diagnostic accuracy of individual radiological parameters and emphasize that many existing studies are limited by small sample sizes, variations in imaging protocols, and retrospective designs. Therefore, international literature (e.g., Upreti et al., 2024; Spille et al., 2019) repeatedly underscores the need to continue such research in order to obtain larger datasets, standardized assessment criteria, and more reliable conclusions regarding the prognostic value of non-invasive biomarkers in differentiating meningioma histological grades. Thus, the implementation of this project would ensure originality and significant relevance within the Latvian scientific and clinical context.

The aim of this project is to conduct a retrospective data analysis at Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, evaluating imaging findings in patients with histologically confirmed meningiomas. The retrospective part will analyze MRI and CT examinations available in the hospital’s archive for patients with histologically confirmed meningiomas, covering the past seven years. The imaging findings will be systematically assessed and correlated with histological results. Within the scope of the project:

the main radiological criteria correlating with tumor histological grade will be identified;

statistical analysis will be performed to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and prognostic value of these parameters;

recommended diagnostic algorithms for use in clinical practice and education will be developed.