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Intraoperative use of low-field magnetic resonance imaging for brain tumors: A systematic review
Ahmed Altaf1, Muhammad Shakir1, Muhammad Jawad Amin Malik2
1Department of Surgery, Section of Neurosurgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
Background:
Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (LF-MRI) has become a valuable tool in the diagnosis of brain tumors due to its high spatial resolution and ability to acquire images in a short amount of time. However, the use of LF-MRI for intraoperative imaging during brain tumor surgeries has not been extensively studied. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the impact of low-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (LF-IMRI) on the duration of brain tumor surgery and the extent of tumor resection.
Methods:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from February 2000 to December 2022. The studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria and reviewed independently by two reviewers. The gathered information was organized and analyzed using Excel.
Results:
Our review of 21 articles found that low-field intraoperative MRI (LF-IMRI) with a field below 0.3T was used in most of the studies, specifically 15 studies used 0.15T LF-IMRI. The T1-weighted sequence was the most frequently reported, and the average scanning time was 24.26 min. The majority of the studies reported a positive impact of LF-IMRI on the extent of tumor resection, with an increase ranging from 11% to 52.5%. Notably, there were no studies describing the use of ultra-low-field (ULF) intraoperative MRI.
Conclusion:
The results of this systematic review will aid neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists in making informed decisions about the use of LF-MRI in brain tumor surgeries. Further, research is needed to fully understand the impact of LF-MRI in brain tumor surgeries and to optimize its use in the clinical setting. There is an opportunity to study the utility of ULF-MRI in brain tumor surgeries.
Insights
Low-field intraoperative MRI (LF-IMRI) enhances brain tumor resection extent by 11-52.5% and aids surgical decisions. Further research, including ultra-low-field MRI, is recommended for optimization.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (LF-MRI) offers high spatial resolution and rapid imaging for brain tumor diagnosis.
- Intraoperative application of LF-MRI (LF-IMRI) in brain tumor surgery remains under-investigated.
- This systematic review assesses LF-IMRI's impact on brain tumor surgery duration and tumor resection extent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the impact of low-field intraoperative MRI (LF-IMRI) on brain tumor surgery duration.
- To evaluate LF-IMRI's effect on the extent of tumor resection during brain tumor surgeries.
- To identify research gaps, such as the use of ultra-low-field (ULF) intraoperative MRI.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (February 2000 - December 2022).
- Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria and independently reviewed by two researchers.
- Data extraction and analysis were conducted using Microsoft Excel.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one articles were reviewed, predominantly using LF-IMRI below 0.3T, with 0.15T being the most common field strength (15 studies).
- The T1-weighted sequence was most frequently utilized, with an average scanning time of 24.26 minutes.
- A majority of studies reported improved extent of tumor resection, ranging from an 11% to 52.5% increase, with no studies utilizing ULF-IMRI.
Conclusions:
- LF-IMRI positively influences the extent of tumor resection in brain tumor surgeries.
- Findings can guide neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists in clinical decision-making regarding LF-IMRI use.
- Further research is warranted to optimize LF-IMRI and explore the potential of ULF-IMRI in neurosurgery.
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