STEREOTAXIC LOCALIZATION WITH MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING - A PHANTOM STUDY TO COMPARE THE ACCURACY OBTAINED USING 2-DIMENSIONAL AND 3-DIMENSIONAL DATA ACQUISITIONS

OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of stereotactic localization using magnetic resonance imaging (Siemens 1.5-T Magnetom; Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) with two-dimensional and three-dimensional data acquisition techniques. METHODS: A phantom study was performed in which the coordi nates of an array of rods were determined from images in both two-dime nsional and three-dimensional studies and compared with measured value s in a series of transverse, coronal, and sagittal images. RESULTS: Th e results demonstrated a distinct advantage in using three-dimensional acquisition; an error greater than 2 mm was identified in only 0.8% o f the imaged volume, compared with 12% of the imaged volume in the two -dimensional study. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that more accurat e stereotactic localization is achieved with a three-dimensional acqui sition.