[Computerized axial tomography in the diagnosis of multiple brain tumors-correlation with angiography and nuclear...

Results of Computerized Axial Tomography with and without intravenous contrast (60% Conray) in 24 patients with multiple brain tumors were analyzed. Of the 24 patients, 19 had metastatic brain tumors, 4 multiple gliomas and 1 patient had multiple meningiomas. Data obtained by C.T. scan were compared to results obtained by angiography and nuclear scanning. In the diagnosis of multiple metastatic brain tumors. C.T. scans were superior to the other two procedures. however, C.T. scanning detected 4 lesions in the case of multiple meningiomas, while angiography disclosed 11 tumors in the same patient. In one patient having multiple gliomas, one (vascular) lesion only was demonstrated by angiography. Many other evaluations of Computerized Axial Tomography have been reported and the advent of this unique non-invasive radiologic technique has resulted in marked changes in the neuro-radiological diagnostic approach to brain tumors. However, it is important to recognize the weak as well as the strong points of each diagnostic procedure including the C.T. scan. At present, in our opinion, even with a positive demonstration of a brain tumor by C.T.scanning, cerebal angiography should be carried out prior to surgical intervention.