Real-time MR-guided brain biopsy using 1.0-T open MRI scanner

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Brain biopsies are crucial for diagnosing intracranial lesions.
• Traditional biopsy methods may have limitations in accuracy and safety.
• Advancements in imaging technology offer potential improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and diagnostic performance of real-time Magnetic Resonance (MR)-guided brain biopsy.
• To assess the utility of a 1.0-T open MRI scanner for this procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 86 consecutive patients undergoing real-time MR-guided brain biopsy under local anesthesia.
• Procedures utilized a 1.0-T open MRI scanner with MR fluoroscopy.
• Lesions were categorized by size (≤1.5 cm and >1.5 cm) for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• High diagnostic yield (95.3%) and accuracy (94.2%) were achieved.
• No significant difference in yield was observed between lesion size groups (p > 0.05).
• Low complication rate (3.5%) with only minor hemorrhages; no serious complications occurred. Mean procedure time was 41 minutes.

Conclusions:

• Real-time MR-guided brain biopsy with a 1.0-T open MRI scanner is a safe, feasible, and accurate diagnostic tool.
• The technique simplifies workflow and reduces procedure duration.
• This method presents a valuable alternative for pathological diagnosis of brain lesions.