Comparison of Imaging Characteristics of Gangliogliomas between Child/Adolescent Group and Adult Group

Background: Ganglioglioma is a rare, slowly proliferating mixed glioneuronal tumor, with the highest incidence observed in children and young adults, but it can also occur in adults. Objective: This study aimed to compare the imaging characteristics of ganglioglioma in children/adolescents and adults to facilitate radiographic diagnosis. Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 32 patients were included and divided into two groups: the child/adolescent group (age < 18 years, n=19) and the adult group (age ≥ 18 years, n=13). Various variables were analyzed, including maximum diameter, location, periphery, border, calcification, unenhanced CT attenuation, T1WI, T2WI/FLAIR, and DWI signal intensity, enhancement pattern, degree of enhancement, homogeneity of enhancement, solid/cystic component, peri-tumoral edema, intra-tumoral septa, peri-tumoral capsule, and intra-tumoral hemorrhage. Results: Most gangliogliomas were situated in the peripheral regions, particularly in the temporal lobe. The majority exhibited hypointense/isointense signals on T1WI and hyperintense signals on T2WI/FLAIR and DWI, with predominantly heterogeneous nodular enhancement. Peri-tumoral edema was significantly less frequent in the child/adolescent group, while marked enhancement was significantly more common in the adult group. There was no significant difference in maximum diameter between the child/adolescent group and the adult group. Conclusion: Peri-tumoral edema was significantly less prevalent in the child/adolescent group, whereas marked enhancement was significantly more frequent in the adult group. To ensure accurate results, a larger case series should be conducted to validate our findings.