Adult diffuse gliomas: What the neuroradiologist needs to know

Abstract

Diffuse gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumors in adults. Advancements in the molecular profiling of diffuse gliomas in recent years have led to a far better understanding of their biology and clinical outcomes. The fifth edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors, published in 2021, incorporates this genomic information to a much greater degree than prior editions. It is important for radiologists to understand the new glioma classification system and the characteristic neuroimaging features associated with each entity. This review aims to provide an overview of the diffuse gliomas that can present in adults, with an emphasis on their molecular features and associated imaging findings.