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Role of MRI in meningiomas: with and without gadopentetate
1Department of Neurosurgery, Hartford Hospital, CT 06511-0729.
Abstract:
Seventeen patients (15 newly diagnosed and two recurrent) with meningiomas were studied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) operating with 0.3, 0.5, and 1.5 Tesla magnets. In four patients gadopentetate dimeglumine was administered, following a noncontrast scan. In all the patients the tumors were isointense with the cortex at short relaxation and echo times (TR and TE) and became hyperintense with the increase in TR and TE on 0.3, 0.5, and 1.5 Tesla magnet systems. MRI correlated well with angiography in the detection of sagittal sinus thrombosis, and delineated tumor from edema as in computed tomography. Elimination of bony artifacts made detection of posterior fossa tumors easier with MR scanning. Gadopentetate dimeglumine shortened the scan time, displaying small tumors as well as sagittal sinus involvement to advantage. In these respects, we believe MRI is more effective than computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of meningiomas.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effectively detects meningiomas, differentiating tumors from edema and improving visualization of the sagittal sinus. MRI offers advantages over computed tomography for meningioma diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Neuro-oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Meningiomas are tumors arising from the meninges.
- Accurate diagnosis and management are crucial for patient outcomes.
- Computed tomography (CT) has limitations in visualizing certain aspects of meningiomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and management of meningiomas.
- To compare MRI performance with computed tomography (CT) and angiography.
- To assess the impact of different magnetic field strengths (0.3, 0.5, and 1.5 Tesla) and contrast agents on image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients with meningiomas underwent MRI scans using 0.3, 0.5, and 1.5 Tesla magnets.
- Gadopentetate dimeglumine contrast was administered to four patients post-noncontrast scan.
- Tumor signal intensity was analyzed at varying relaxation times (TR) and echo times (TE).
Main Results:
- Meningiomas were consistently isointense with the cortex at short TR/TE and became hyperintense with increased TR/TE across all field strengths.
- MRI accurately detected sagittal sinus thrombosis, correlating well with angiography.
- MRI effectively delineated tumors from surrounding edema, comparable to CT, and reduced bony artifacts, improving posterior fossa tumor detection. Gadopentetate dimeglumine enhanced visualization of small tumors and sagittal sinus involvement, reducing scan time.
Conclusions:
- Magnetic resonance imaging is highly effective for diagnosing and managing meningiomas.
- MRI offers superior visualization of tumor characteristics, sagittal sinus involvement, and surrounding edema compared to CT.
- The use of contrast agents like gadopentetate dimeglumine further enhances diagnostic capabilities and efficiency.