Added value of sodium MRI in multiparametric MRI for WHO grade II astrocytoma surveillance during “watchful waiting”: initial experience

Elevation of rrCBV and rrCBF in the tumor indicates poor prognosis, in line with the literature. ²³Na-MRI can be used for WHO grade II astrocytoma surveillance. In some treatment-naïve WHO grade II astrocytomas, an initially high sodium signal seems to be prognostically favorable, contrary to the literature on ²³Na-MRI in postoperative aftercare. However, due to the small cohort size with evaluable ²³Na-MRI at baseline, evidence is limited. In future, ²³Na-MRI may help selecting patients for a "watchful waiting" strategy.