Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging in the surgical treatment of cerebral metastases

Abstract

Background and Objectives To report on the value of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) in the neurosurgical treatment of cerebral metastases (CM). Methods We performed a total of 204 surgical procedures with the use of a mobile ultra‐low‐field iMRI‐unit. Of these, there were 12 craniotomies and 2 minimal‐invasive procedures for CM, and 63 craniotomies for glioblastoma (GBM). Results On intraoperative imaging, all tumors could be localized and targeted with the help of the integrated neuronavigation system. Intraoperative imaging resulted in continued tumor resection due to unexpected residual tumor tissue in 13 patients harboring GBM (20.6%), but no patient with a CM (0%). In two patients with cystic CM, iMRI helped to achieve complete collapse of cysts by means of stereotactic aspiration, relieving mass effect and allowing for adjuvant radiotherapy. All patients subsequently received adjuvant treatment according to clinical protocols. Conclusion Surgical resection represents one of several treatment modalities in metastatic brain disease. iMRI is useful for neuronavigation and resection control and as an adjunct in minimal‐invasive procedures in patients with CM; however, its exact value is yet to be determined by prospective randomized trials. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010; 101:436–441.