Resistive NMR of brain stem gliomas

The NMR and CT findings in 22 patients with primary brain stem tumors were compared to determine the value of each study in identifying, and delineating the extent and relationships of the tumor to brain anatomy. NMR was found to be distinctly superior to CT in showing involvement of the medulla and upper cervical cord. NMR eliminates the need for intrathecal enhanced metrizamide CT, and in the future should be the only initial diagnostic test needed for the evaluation of intrinsic brain stem tumors.