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MRI-guided stereotactic aspiration of brain abscesses by use of an optical tracking navigation system
Yubo Lü1, Chengli Li, Ming Liu
1Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China.
Background:
Owing to the high risk of abscess drainage by craniotomy, imaging-guided stereotactic aspiration is considered an ideal choice in the management of brain abscesses. Interventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents a valuable technique for the treatment of brain abscess as a guiding modality.
Purpose:
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an interventional MRI system in performing the procedure.
Material And Methods:
Thirteen brain abscesses in 11 patients were treated with percutaneous aspiration. All procedures were performed solely under the guidance of a 0.23-T open-configuration MRI scanner with optical tracking. Clinical and imaging follow-up was at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The changes of abscess, MRI features, and clinical symptoms were recorded. Procedure efficacy and safety were evaluated by success rate, procedure time, decrease of abscess, recovery rate, and complication. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed.
Results:
MRI-guided stereotactic aspirations were performed successfully in 13/13 (100%) abscesses. The mean operating time was 70 min (range, 45-100 min). Follow-up MRI at 1 week after the procedure showed average reduction of abscesses by 60% (2.1/3.5). And the abscesses continued to get smaller by up to 89.7% (3.14/3.5) at 1-month follow-up. All cavities resolved at the end of the 6-month follow-up period. The recovery rate was 100% for fever, headache, vomiting, papilledema, meningismus, altered sensorium, 75% (3/4) for hemiparesis, and 83.3% (5/6) for epilepsy. There were no complications.
Conclusion:
Punctures of brain abscesses with subsequent aspiration can be performed safely and efficiently by monitoring the procedure using an open interventional MRI system.
Insights
Interventional MRI-guided aspiration offers a safe and effective method for treating brain abscesses, achieving 100% success and complete resolution without complications. This minimally invasive technique significantly reduces abscess size and improves patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Imaging
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Craniotomy for brain abscess drainage carries high risks.
- Image-guided stereotactic aspiration is a preferred alternative.
- Interventional MRI is a valuable tool for guiding brain abscess treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and efficacy of an interventional MRI system.
- To evaluate its performance in brain abscess aspiration procedures.
Main Methods:
- 13 brain abscesses in 11 patients were treated via percutaneous aspiration.
- Procedures used a 0.23-T open MRI scanner with optical tracking.
- Clinical and imaging follow-up occurred at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months.
Main Results:
- 100% success rate for MRI-guided stereotactic aspirations.
- Average abscess reduction of 60% at 1 week, 89.7% at 1 month, and complete resolution by 6 months.
- 100% recovery for most symptoms; no complications reported.
Conclusions:
- Open interventional MRI systems enable safe and efficient brain abscess aspiration.
- This technique provides effective monitoring for percutaneous drainage procedures.
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