Prediction of Glioma Grade and IDH Status Using (18)F-FET PET/CT Dynamic and Multiparametric Texture Analysis

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) represent an independent predictor of better survival in patients with gliomas. We aimed to assess grade and IDH mutation status in patients with untreated gliomas, by evaluating the respective value of (18)F-FET PET/CT via dynamic and texture analyses. A total of 73 patients (male: 48, median age: 47) who underwent an (18)F-FET PET/CT for initial glioma evaluation were retrospectively included. IDH status was available in 61 patients (20 patients with WHO grade 2 gliomas, 41 with grade 3–4 gliomas). Time–activity curve type and 20 parameters obtained from static analysis using LIFEx© v6.30 software were recorded. Respective performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and stepwise multivariate regression analysis adjusted for patients’ age and sex. The time–activity curve type and texture parameters derived from the static parameters showed satisfactory-to-good performance in predicting glioma grade and IDH status. Both time–activity curve type (stepwise OR: 101.6 (95% CI: 5.76–1791), p = 0.002) and NGLDM coarseness (stepwise OR: 2.08 × 10(43) (95% CI: 2.76 × 10(12)–1.57 × 10(74)), p = 0.006) were independent predictors of glioma grade. No independent predictor of IDH status was found. Dynamic and texture analyses of (18)F-FET PET/CT have limited predictive value for IDH status when adjusted for confounding factors. However, they both help predict glioma grade.