TITLE:
Advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques in brain tumours surgical planning
AUTHORS:
Giada Zoccatelli, Franco Alessandrini, Alberto Beltramello, Andrea Talacchi
KEYWORDS:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Brain Tumor; Neurosurgery; Brain Mapping
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering,
Vol.6 No.3A,
March
29,
2013
ABSTRACT:
Morphological
assessment using Computed Tomo-graphy (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
is still the workhorse of tumor detection and diagnosis. In particular, MRI
provides detailed information about cerebral tumor anatomy, cellular metabolism
and hemodynamic features, making it a fundamental tool for a correct diagnosis,
treatment and monitoring of the disease. Various new functional imaging modalities
assessing tissue microstructure and physiology have increased the scope of
neuro imaging and raised expectations among clinicians. This article provides
an overview of the
most advanced MR imaging techniques (functional
MRI, perfusion-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging and MR spectroscopy) now available for neurosurgical
planning and their role in brain tumors assessment. Their pros and cons are
analyzed in order to find out which one may be chosen as best diagnostic pre-surgical protocol.
At the moment none of the single techniques can be considered the golden
standard; only the integration of advanced and conventional MR imaging proves
to be a reliable tool in the hands of the neuro-radiologist and neurosurgeon,
thus maximazing tumor
resection and function preservation.