Evaluation of intracranial cysts by intraoperative MR

Eleven patients with intracranial cystic collections were evaluated in the open-bore intraoperative MR system, In each case, the cystic collection or the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space was injected with .02 to .5 cc of .5 mol/l gadopentetate dimeglumine. Serial imaging was performed usi ng T1-weighted imaging, In seven patients, free communication was demonstra ted between the cystic collection and the surrounding CSF spaces. In four c ases, the cyst did not communicate with the CSF; two of these were drained in the intraoperative MR system with reduction in symptoms. One patient dev eloped an aseptic meningitis 10 days after the study, which was successfull y treated with steroids; no other complications were noted, We conclude tha t the communication of intracranial cystic collections with the cisterns an d ventricles can be safely and effectively elucidated with gadolinium injec tion in the intraoperative MR system.