3-DIMENSIONAL MR-IMAGING AND DISPLAY OF INTRACRANIAL DISEASE - IMPROVEMENTS WITH THE MP-RAGE SEQUENCE AND GADOLINIUM

Three-dimensional (3D) image rendering was performed in 14 patients wh o had undergone magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for focal brain lesion s. The MR study included the magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-ech o (MP-RAGE) sequence with 64 or 128 partitions. Resultant contiguous s ections 2.5 or 1.25 mm thick, respectively, were obtained. Images were acquired before and after administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine . Resultant 3D data sets were processed on a commercially available wo rkstation. Correlative surgical observation was performed in four case s. All data sets were successfully processed into 3D images. The preco ntrast images proved superior to gadolinium-enhanced images for brain surface rendering. Postcontrast images proved superior for reconstruct ion of tumors and vascular structures. The 64-partition data set prove d sufficient for all postprocessing. Coronal orientation was preferred to sagittal orientation for surface rendering because it provided opt imal orthogonal orientation of sulcal and gyral brain surface features . Three-dimensional rendition allowed easy superposition of lesion, br ain, vessels, and scalp features-all useful for surgical planning. The central sulcus was easily recognized in the midline partitions and tr aced mediolaterally for projection on the cortical surface. MP-RAGE pr ovides a 3D data set that can be obtained in just over 3 minutes, from which clinically useful 3D renderings are possible. The rapidity of a cquisition and capability for 3D rendering provides additional clinica l utility.