Diagnostic Accuracy of Mri Compared to Cct in Patients with Brain Metastases

Abstract

Brain metastasis is one of the most common diagnoses encountered by neurologists, neurosurgeons,radiologists, and oncologists. The aim of this article is to review imaging modalities used in the diagnosis andfollow-up of brain metastases. Through the use of various imaging techniques more accurate preoperativediagnosis and more precise intraoperative planning can be made. Post-treatment evaluation can also berefined through the use of these imaging techniques. MRI without and with contrast is the imaging modalityof choice in evaluating patients with suspected metastases.28 Head CT is often performed at the initialscreening or in an emergency setting to exclude hemorrhage. MRI, however, is superior to CT either withoutor with contrast in the detection and evaluation of metastases. Metastatic lesions can generally be evaluatedwith routine contrast MRI studies. Higher dosing of contrast agents, magnetization transfer technique, andhigher field strength magnets increase sensitivity.Typical characteristics of metastases, including multiplicity, location, and signal characteristics, togetherwith clinical history, are often sufficient to suggest the diagnosis of metastatic intracranial disease. In thesetting of more complex cases or solitary brain metastases, advanced MRI techniques and PET will aid inreaching a diagnosis