Super-Resolution Ultrasound Imaging of Oligodendroglioma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Oligodendroglioma is a type of diffusely infiltrating glioma, most common in adults between 25 and 45 years old. Neuroimaging constitutes an essential component of both diagnostic evaluation and surgical planning. While conventional imaging modalities effectively delineate tumor location and extent, they possess inherent limitations in detecting early pathological changes. Ultrasound imaging enjoys widespread clinical adoption owing to its excellent tissue penetration, lack of ionizing radiation, real-time imaging capacity, and equipment portability. Intraoperative ultrasound tools like contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) have become crucial for real-time tumor mapping. CEUS uses microbubble contrast agents to enhance tumor visualization by highlighting perfusion differences, improving boundary definition and residual tumor detection. Super-resolution ultrasound (SR-US) has emerged as an innovative imaging modality capable of high-resolution vascular mapping and functional assessment. Given these capabilities, this article presents a CEUS-guided surgical case, demonstrating its role in optimizing tumor resection while preserving brain function. A 33-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital with a three-day history of an intracranial mass detected during a routine physical examination. MRI revealed a cysto-solid mass in the right frontal lobe, suggesting oligodendroglioma. The patient underwent a right frontal lobe resection, during which intraoperative ultrasound, CEUS, and SR-US imaging were performed. These imaging techniques revealed a cysto-solid mass with no blood vessels within the tumor and a rich microvascular structure in the surrounding brain tissue. The tumor was resected, and pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of oligodendroglioma (WHO Grade II). MRI is the preferred diagnostic method, while CEUS and SR-US imaging have significant value in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors, improving diagnostic accuracy and surgical resection rates.