Modern meningioma imaging techniques

Abstract

Steady improvements in imaging modalities have enabled a new realm of capabilities in the identification and assessment of meningiomas. The cross-sectional imaging modalities, MRI and CT, have improved in resolution and fidelity. These modalites now provide not only improved structural information but also insights into functional behavior. MRI has, in particular, proven to have powerful capabilities in evaluating meningiomas because of the ability to assess soft tissue characteristics such as diffusion and vascular supply information, such as perfusion. Recent investigational advances have also been made using a combination of X-ray fluoroscopy for selective catheterization followed by MR perfusion measurement performed with intra-arterial injection of contrast. Together all these modalities provide the radiographer with powerful capbilities for evaluating meningiomas.