Brain tumor CT attenuation coefficients: semiquantitative analysis of histograms.

This paper reports on work in progress on semiquantitative curve analyses of histograms of brain tumors. Separation of statistical groups of attenuation values obtained by computer calculation is done separately from scanning, using histogram printouts as the data input for a programmable calculator. This method is discussed together with its results in 50 cases of malignant gliomas. The detection of hidden tissue portions and the more accurate evaluation of partial enhancement effects have been the investigators' main concerns to the present time; however, this method may allow more specific diagnosis of malignancy and changes in tumor characteristics than visual assessment alone. This has not been proven by studies that have evaluated large numbers of cases, but seems to be worth pursuing as a new approach.