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57th Annual Meeting of the German Society of Neurosurgery
Joint Meeting with the Japanese Neurosurgical Society

German Society of Neurosurgery (DGNC)

11 - 14 May, Essen

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Application of three-tesla magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of brain tumors

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  • corresponding author M. Kurosaki - Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Tottori, Japan
  • H. Kamitani - Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Tottori, Japan
  • T. Watanabe - Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Tottori, Japan

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie. Japanische Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie. 57. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie e.V. (DGNC), Joint Meeting mit der Japanischen Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie. Essen, 11.-14.05.2006. Düsseldorf, Köln: German Medical Science; 2006. DocFR.08.06

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.egms.de/en/meetings/dgnc2006/06dgnc055.shtml

Published: May 8, 2006

© 2006 Kurosaki et al.
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Outline

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Objective: Initial experience with three-tesla (3T) MR images was reported with emphasis on brain tumors.

Methods: The patients with brain tumors were examined using 3T unit preoperatively. The 3T MR images were compared with the 1.5T images already obtained in some patients.

Results: Because of the high signal-to-noise ratio, 3T MRI was superior to 1.5T MRI in visualization of tumors, as well as the surrounding white and gray matter. This modality also resulted in improved imaging for intraoperative navigation. T2-weighted or short inversion-time inversion recovery (STIR) image through the application of gray-scale reversal provided high anatomical and contrast resolution. These images demonstrated the defined relationship between the tumor and its surroundings. For T1-weighted images, a 3D-spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) sequence was used. This sequence gave a reduction in filming time. Tumor-to-brain contrast after gadolinium administration in patients with brain tumors was significantly higher at 3.0T. However, spin echo MR images were superior to 3D-SPGR MR images in the visualization of tumors of the sellar region as illustrated in tuberculum sellae meningiomas and pituitary adenomas. In regards to functional images, higher resolution was also obtained. MR angiography depicted perforating small vessels clearly.

Conclusions: We suggest that 3T MR images provide significant assistance as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the treatment of brain tumors.