DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF LOW-FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN THE DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PRIMARY AND METASTATIC BRAIN TUMORS
TL;DR
Low-field MRI demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting tumor heterogeneity, cystic degeneration, necrosis, hemorrhage, and contrast enhancement patterns, which were critical for tumor grading and Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI improved differentiation between benign and malignant tumors.
Abstract
Abstract. Brain tumors remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. High-field MRI is considered the gold standard for neuro-oncological diagnostics; however, its availability is limited in many regions. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of a low-field 0.2 T MRI system in detecting and characterizing intracranial tumors and to compare the findings with CT data. A retrospective analysis of 14,570 brain examinations performed between 2000 and 2009 identified 678 space-occupying lesions (4.7%). Gliomas, metastases, and meningiomas were the most common tumors. Low-field MRI demonstrated high sensitivity in detecting tumor heterogeneity, cystic degeneration, necrosis, hemorrhage, and contrast enhancement patterns, which were critical for tumor grading. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI improved differentiation between benign and malignant tumors. The results indicate that low-field MRI is a valuable, cost-effective tool for neuro-oncological diagnostics, particularly in resource-limited settings.