Can magnetic resonance imaging alone accurately define the arteriovenous nidus for gamma knife radiosurgery?

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 464-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. J. St. George ◽  
P. Butler ◽  
P. N. Plowman

Object. Current radiosurgical treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) relies on planning protocols that integrate data from both magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and stereotactic angiography studies. Angiography, however, is invasive and associated with a small but well-defined risk of neurological and systemic complications. Magnetic resonance imaging, on the other hand, is noninvasive with multiplanar capability, demonstrates good anatomical detail, and has been shown to be superior to angiography in the delineation of selected AVMs. Methods. In this study, MR imaging—related accuracy of defining the AVM nidus in gamma knife radiosurgery is investigated using only T1- and T2-weighted sequences. Conclusions. Little interobserver variability was observed and AVM nidi, as demonstrated on T1- and T2-weighted MR images, were well correlated in terms of size. The displacement of the new target, however, from the original nidus, was not predictable and occasionally was significant, thus precluding safe radiosurgical planning.

1999 ◽  
Vol 91 (3) ◽  
pp. 384-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faruk İldan ◽  
Metin Tuna ◽  
Alp İskender Göcer ◽  
Bülent Boyar ◽  
Hüseyin Bağdatoğlu ◽  
...  

Object. The authors examined the relationships of brain—tumor interfaces, specific magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features, and angiographic findings in meningiomas to predict tumor cleavage and difficulty of resection.Methods. Magnetic resonance imaging studies, angiographic data, operative reports, clinical data, and histopathological findings were examined retrospectively in this series, which included 126 patients with intracranial meningiomas who underwent operations in which microsurgical techniques were used. The authors have identified three kinds of brain—tumor interfaces characterized by various difficulties in microsurgical dissection: smooth type, intermediate type, and invasive type. The signal intensity on T1-weighted MR images was very similar regardless of the type of brain—tumor interface (p > 0.1). However, on T2-weighted images the different interfaces seemed to correlate very precisely with the signal intensity and the amount of peritumoral edema (p < 0.01), allowing the prediction of microsurgical effort required during surgery. On angiographic studies, the pial—cortical arterial supply was seen to participate almost equally with the meningeal—dural arterial supply in vascularizing the tumor in 57.9% of patients. Meningiomas demonstrating hypervascularization on angiography, particularly those fed by the pial—cortical arteries, exhibited significantly more severe edema compared with those supplied only from meningeal arteries (p < 0.01). Indeed, a positive correlation was found between the vascular supply from pial—cortical arteries and the type of cleavage (p < 0.05).Conclusions. In this analysis the authors proved that there is a strong correlation between the amount of peritumoral edema, hyperintensity of the tumor on T2-weighted images, cortical penetration, vascular supply from pial—cortical arteries, and cleavage of the meningioma. Therefore, the consequent difficulty of microsurgical dissection can be predicted preoperatively by analyzing MR imaging and angiographic studies.


1989 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 426-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bertil Romner ◽  
Magnus Olsson ◽  
Bengt Ljunggren ◽  
Stig Holtås ◽  
Hans Säveland ◽  
...  

✓ The magnetic properties of 12 different types of aneurysm clip were investigated in order to identify which clips allow postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging without risk. Clip-induced MR artifacts were also quantitatively studied using a geometrical phantom. Nonferromagnetic aneurysm clips like the Yaşargil Phynox, Sugita Elgiloy, and Vari-Angle McFadden clips do not appear to contraindicate MR studies performed with a FONAR β-3000M imager. There is no clip movement upon introduction of the phantom into the MR imager, and the image artifacts caused by the clips are so limited that patients harboring such clips may well be considered for MR imaging. This examination may reveal information not obtainable by any other radiological modality.


1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Izumi Koyanagi ◽  
Yoshinobu Iwasaki ◽  
Kazutoshi Hida ◽  
Hiroyuki Imamura ◽  
Hiroshi Abe

Object. Because of the lack of magnetic resonance (MR) signal from cortical bones, MR imaging is inadequate for diagnosing ossified lesions in the spinal canal. However, MR imaging provides important information on spinal cord morphology and associated soft-tissue abnormality. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of MR imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine. Methods. The authors reviewed MR imaging findings in 42 patients with cervical OPLL who were examined with a superconducting MR imaging system. The types of OPLL reviewed included eight cases of continuous, 21 cases of segmental, and 13 cases of the mixed type. All patients were treated surgically either by anterior (26 cases) or posterior decompression (16 cases). Conclusions. The T1-weighted images clearly demonstrated the spinal cord deformity caused by OPLL. Associated disc protrusion was found to be present at the maximum compression level in 60% of the patients in this series. The highest incidence of disc protrusion (81%) was found in patients with segmental OPLL. Intramedullary hyperintensity on T2*-weighted imaging was noted in 18 patients (43%). The neurological deficits observed in these 18 patients were significantly more severe than those observed in the other 24 patients. Postoperative MR imaging revealed improvement in the spinal cord deformity, although the intramedullary hyperintensity was still observed in most cases. The present study demonstrates the importance of associated disc protrusion in the development of myelopathy in patients with cervical OPLL. Magnetic resonance imaging findings may be used to help determine the actual levels of spinal cord compression and to suggest the method of surgical treatment.


2003 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 772-774 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jörg Spiegel ◽  
Gerhard Fuss ◽  
Martin Backens ◽  
Wolfgang Reith ◽  
Tim Magnus ◽  
...  

✓ Data from previous studies have shown that magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the head can be performed safely in patients with deep brain stimulators. The authors report on a 73-year-old patient with bilaterally implanted deep brain electrodes for the treatment of Parkinson disease, who exhibited dystonic and partially ballistic movements of the left leg immediately after an MR imaging session. Such dystonic or ballistic movements had not been previously observed in this patient. In the following months, this focal movement disorder resolved completely. This case demonstrates the possible risks of MR imaging in patients with deep brain stimulators.


2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (6) ◽  
pp. 1410-1418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralf Burger ◽  
Martin Bendszus ◽  
Giles Hamilton Vince ◽  
Klaus Roosen ◽  
Anthony Marmarou

Object. The goal of this study was to characterize a new model of an epidural mass lesion in rodents by means of neurophysiological monitoring, magnetic resonance imaging, and histopathological analysis. Methods. Changes in intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) values, intraparenchymal tissue partial oxygen pressure (PtiO2), and electroencephalography (EEG) activity were evaluated in the rat during controlled, epidural expansion of a latex balloon up to a maximum ICP of 60 mm Hg. The initial balloon inflation was followed by periods of sustained inflation (30 ± 1 minute) and reperfusion (180 ± 5 minutes). Histopathological analysis and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were performed to characterize the lesion. The time to maximum balloon expansion and the average balloon volume were highly reproducible. Alterations in EEG activity during inflation first appeared when the CPP decreased to 57 mm Hg, the LDF value to 66% of baseline values, and the PtiO2 to 12 mm Hg. During maximum compression, the CPP was reduced to 34 mm Hg, the LDF value to 40% of baseline, and the PtiO2 to 4 to 5 mm Hg. The EEG tracing was isoelectric during prolonged inflation and the values of LDF and PtiO2 decreased due to accompanying hypotonia. After reperfusion, the CPP was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) due to the elevation of ICP. Both the LDF value and EEG activity displayed incomplete restoration, whereas the value of PtiO2 returned to normal. Histological analysis and MR imaging revealed brain swelling with a midline shift and a combined cortical—subcortical ischemic lesion beyond the site of balloon compression. Conclusions. This novel model of an epidural mass lesion in rodents closely resembles the process observed in humans. Evaluation of pathophysiological and morphological changes was feasible by using neurophysiological monitoring and MR imaging.


2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spyros S. Kollias ◽  
René L. Bernays

Object. The authors present their experience with neurosurgical procedures requiring real-time imaging feedback such as aspiration of a cystic structure or abscess cavity, decompression of hydrocephalic ventricles, management of arachnoid cysts, and installation of permanent or temporary drainage conduits, in which interactive magnetic resonance (MR) imaging guidance was used to monitor structural alterations associated with the procedure. Methods. Drainage of eight intraparenchymal brain abscesses in seven patients, decompression of space-occupying cystic or necrotic brain tumors in four patients, and endoscopic management of hydrocephalus associated with arachnoid cysts in three patients were performed using MR imaging—guided frameless stereotaxy in an open-configuration 0.5-tesla superconducting MR imaging system. Intraoperative MR imaging guidance provided accurate information on the course of the surgical procedure and associated intraoperative changes in tissue position, such as the degree of cyst aspiration, the presence or absence of hemorrhage or induced swelling, and changes associated with decompression of adjacent brain parenchyma and the ventricular system. No clinically significant complications were encountered in any patient. There were no targeting errors, and procedural objectives were accomplished in all cases. Conclusions. Drainage of brain abscesses, punctures of cystic or necrotic intracranial lesions with subsequent aspiration, and management of hydrocephalus can be performed safely and accurately by monitoring the procedure using real-time MR imaging to obtain immediate feedback on associated dynamic tissue changes.


1996 ◽  
Vol 85 (6) ◽  
pp. 1044-1049 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce E. Pollock ◽  
Douglas Kondziolka ◽  
John C. Flickinger ◽  
Atul K. Patel ◽  
David J. Bissonette ◽  
...  

✓ To determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in comparison to cerebral angiography after radiosurgery for an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), the authors reviewed the records of patients who underwent radiosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center before 1992. All patients in the analysis had AVMs in which the flow-void signal was visible on preradiosurgical MR imaging. One hundred sixty-four postradiosurgical angiograms were obtained in 140 patients at a median of 2 months after postradiosurgical MR imaging (median 24 months after radiosurgery). Magnetic resonance imaging correctly predicted patency in 64 of 80 patients in whom patent AVMs were seen on follow-up angiography (sensitivity 80%) and angiographic obliteration in 84 of 84 patients (specificity 100%). Overall, 84 of 100 AVMs in which evidence of obliteration was seen on MR images displayed angiographic obliteration (negative predictive value, 84%). Ten of the 16 patients with false-negative MR images underwent follow-up angiography: in seven the lesions progressed to complete angiographic obliteration without further treatment. Exclusion of these seven patients from the false-negative MR imaging group increases the predictive value of a negative postradiosurgical MR image from 84% to 91%. No AVM hemorrhage was observed in clinical follow up of 135 patients after evidence of obliteration on MR imaging (median follow-up interval 35 months; range 2–96 months; total follow up 382 patient-years). Magnetic resonance imaging proved to be an accurate, noninvasive method for evaluating the patency of AVMs that were identifiable on MR imaging after stereotactic radiosurgery. This imaging modality is less expensive, more acceptable to patients, and does not have the potential for neurological complications that may be associated with cerebral angiography. The risk associated with follow-up cerebral angiography may no longer justify its role in the assessment of radiosurgical results in the treatment of AVMs.


1990 ◽  
Vol 73 (6) ◽  
pp. 820-839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Bronen ◽  
Gordon Sze

✓ The theoretical aspects of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast agents are reviewed, and their current applications to the central nervous system (CNS) and their future applications are discussed. Profound differences exist between contrast agents used for MR imaging and computerized tomography (CT). In MR imaging, the contrast agents are not imaged directly but rather act on adjacent protons to shorten T1 and T2 relaxation times. This in turn results in signal intensity changes. The lanthanide metal, gadolinium, in the form of gadopentetate dimeglumine, has been found to be both safe and efficacious as the only currently approved contrast agent for MR imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging revolutionized the detection and treatment of disease affecting the brain and spine. Initially, it was thought that signal characteristics on MR imaging would allow differentiation of specific pathology. It was soon found that MR studies were able to detect more abnormalities but were less able to characterize them. The recent development of contrast agents for MR imaging has allowed this modality to surpass CT for the evaluation of most CNS lesions. At present, contrast-enhanced MR imaging is generally accepted as the study of choice for evaluating acoustic neurinomas, pituitary lesions, meningeal disease, primary and secondary brain tumors, active multiple sclerosis, intradural spinal neoplasms, intramedullary spinal disease, and postoperative states in both the spine and brain. Even when contrast-enhanced CT can detect the same abnormalities, evaluation of the lesions in multiple planes on MR imaging can sometimes yield invaluable information, especially prior to surgery. Future developments of contrast material for MR imaging include non-gadolinium compounds, intrathecal contrast media, cerebral blood flow and volume evaluation, and, possibly, antibody-labeled contrast agents.


2002 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 429-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Berndt Wowra ◽  
Walter Stummer

Object. The authors assessed the efficacy of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NPAs) by sequential quantitative determinations of tumor volume and neurological and endocrinological follow-up examinations. Methods. Through May of 2000, 45 patients with NPA were treated by GKS. Complete neurological and endocrinological follow-up information was obtained. In 30 patients (67%), follow-up examinations included stereotactic magnetic resonance imaging involving the GammaPlan software for sequential measurements of the NPA volume. These patients constitute the basis of this study. Sequential volume measurements after GKS were compared with initial tumor volumes at the date of GKS to quantify the therapeutic result. All data were stored prospectively in a computerized database. The median dose to the tumor margin was 16 Gy (range 11–20 Gy). The mean prescription isodose was 55% (range 45–75%). All except one patient (97%) underwent surgery for NPA before GKS. Fractionated radiotherapy was not administered. Median follow up after GKS was 55 months (range 28–86 months). The actuarial long-term recurrence-free survival was 93% with respect to a single GKS and 100% if a repeated GKS was included. Neurological side effects were not detected. The actuarial risk of radiosurgery-induced pituitary damage was calculated to be 14% after 6 years. The volumetric analysis revealed a temporary swelling of the NPA in four patients, followed by shrinkage of the lesion. This is the first time this has been observed in pituitary adenomas. Conclusions. Postoperative GKS for residual or recurrent small fragments of NPAs is effective and safe. With regard to the issues of radioprotection and therapeutic morbidity, it seems superior to fractionated radiotherapy. Quantification of tumor reduction is a valuable tool for documenting a therapeutic response and for identifying tumor recurrence. As part of a radiosurgical standard protocol, the follow-up examination for NPAs should include tumor volumetric analysis.


2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amos O. Dare ◽  
Mark S. Dias ◽  
Veetai Li

Object. The authors conducted a study to determine correlations between clinical syndromes and early magnetic resonance (MR) imaging—documented findings in children with spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA). Methods. The authors retrospectively reviewed the records obtained in 20 patients who presented with SCIWORA to the Children's Hospital of Buffalo between 1992 and 1999. Initial neurological syndromes, subsequent hospital course and outcome, and early MR imaging findings obtained using conventional sequences on a 1.5-tesla unit were recorded. Neurological syndromes on presentation were complete (Frankel Grade A) in two patients (10%), severe partial (Frankel Grade C) in one patient (5%), and mild partial (Frankel Grade D) in 17 patients (85%). Partial neurological deficits resolved in 14 (78%) of 18 patients within 72 hours and lasted more than 72 hours in four patients (22%). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in both patients presenting with complete injuries and in 17 of 18 patients presenting with partial neurological deficits. The studies were obtained within 24 hours in 17 patients (85%). Neuroimaging revealed spinal cord swelling at the cervical level in one of the children with complete injury and cord edema with associated hemorrhage at cervical and thoracic levels in the other. Neural and extraneural elements were shown to be normal in all 17 patients with partial injuries who underwent MR imaging, including in the four patients with partial motor deficits lasting more than 72 hours. Conclusions. In this series, the predominant neurological presentation of SCIWORA was a mild, partial syndrome that resolved within 72 hours. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed abnormal features only in those patients with complete neurological deficits. These findings suggest that in the acute setting conventional MR imaging sequences may lack the sensitivity to demonstrate neural and extraneural abnormalities associated with partial or temporary neurological deficits of SCIWORA, even when those deficits persist beyond 72 hours.


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