MR-directed brain biopsy: feasibility study.

MR imaging can provide cross-sectional images in multiple imaging planes with equal resolution and improve localization of abnormal tissue over that afforded by CT [1, 2]. MRdirected biopsy of the body has already been safely performed [3]; however, MR-directed biopsy of the brain is potentially more difficult and risky because of the problems involved in identifying possible intracranial hemorrhage [4] that may accompany the biopsy. Blood within vessels enhances after the administration of gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA), an IV MR contrast agent [5, 6]. We wondered whether fresh intracranial hemorrhage would enhance as well. In this paper we present our results in seven dogs after brain biopsy and injection of contrast material. Needle artifact was evaluated by using a brain phantom, which was also used to develop a surface localization technique suitable for MR imaging.