Evaluation of the Glymphatic System Using the DTI-ALPS Index in Patients with Glioma

We evaluated the function of the human glymphatic system (GS) in patients with glioma using diffusion tensor imaging analysis along with the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS). Thirty-seven patients with glioma and 34 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for analysis. We found that DTI-ALPS index on the ipsilateral lesion side was significantly decreased, but not on the contralateral side in glioma when compared with HCs. The decreased DTI-ALPS index was significantly correlated with the volume of peritumoral edema (PTBE), but not the volume of tumor. This study suggested the PTBE may be an independent factor that affects the GS in glioma patients.