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 rese ctability did not affect the survival. Similarly, the tumor location a nd the grade of the low density area (LDA) surrounding the contrast en hanced area (CEA) had no significance on the prognosis. As a result of the multi-variate analysis, the histopathologic diagnosis, the CEA si ze and the CEA pattern were significantly important prognostic factors . Astrocytoma grade III, a CEA diameter of under 4 cm and a homogeneou s 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 h ave the worse prognosis and should be treated extensively by radiation therapy.