Gallium scanning in cerebral and cranial disorders

Gallium scanning of cranial and cerebral abnormalities is a complex topic in which neither the mechanism of gallium accumulation or the clinical utility can be clearly defined. In the tests available to the neurologist, neurosurgeon, or practitioner, the gallium brain scan, computed tomographic brain scan, or other noninvasive studies are inconclusive. Its use as a primary localization test for CNS tumors does not appear to be warranted in view of the high sensitivity reported for conventional nuclide brain scanning, as well as computed tomography. In selected cases, the use of a gallium brain scan has been helpful in the differentiation of CNS lesions, as well as the early detection of intracerebral infection. New techniques involving 67Ga may eventually prove useful in the evaluation of CNS disorders, especially in the area of quantitating the amount of abnormal brain tissue removed following craniotomy.