THE USE OF MR CONTRAST IN NEOPLASTIC DISEASE OF THE BRAIN

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice in the eval uation of patients with actual or suspected intracranial neoplasms. MR I has many advantages over alternative modalities. It provides increas ed sensitivity, permits multiplanar image display, is noninvasive, and has no associated ionizing radiation. MR contrast adds significantly to the evaluation of patients with suspected intracranial neoplasms. I t further increases sensitivity to lesion detection, it more clearly d efines tumor extent, and it facilitates the differentiation of tumor f rom normal adjacent structures. In virtually every instance, MR contra st enhances lesion conspicuity. In some cases, these neoplasms would b e seen only with difficulty or not at all without the benefit of contr ast enhancement. Thus, in the appropriate patient population, MR contr ast enables more time-efficient and cost-effective diagnoses.