Application of MR in stereotactic radiosurgery

J Magn Reson Imaging. 1998 Mar-Apr;8(2):415-20. doi: 10.1002/jmri.1880080222.

Abstract

Radiosurgery, a bladeless brain surgery without opening skull, requires higher imaging accuracy as compared to microsurgery. Accordingly, we must refine the ways we use the MR scanner and interpret the obtained images. A well tuned and regularly calibrated MR scanner provides excellent images, which allow us to define detailed intracranial structures without distortion. This enables us to obtain a reliable imaging diagnosis despite the fact that pathologic diagnosis is not available in many radiosurgical patients. Due to its three-dimensional imaging and excellence in tissue and spatial contrast, MR is important in exploring new radiosurgical indications. Large arteriovenous malformations (AVM), dural AVM of cavernous sinus and trigeminal neuralgia are some of the successful examples. By using MR, longitudinal investigation of radiosurgical effects becomes feasible. For tumors, the longitudinal studies are important in optimization of dose selection. For AVM, MR is reliable in verification of radiosurgical result. The reliability is comparable to conventional x-ray angiography. Application of MR enhances the essence of noninvasiveness of radiosurgery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / surgery*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care
  • Radiosurgery* / instrumentation
  • Stereotaxic Techniques