MRI imaging for planning stereotactic biopsies of the brain lesions

Aim of the study. To evaluate the influence of modern MRI imaging, CT- and MRI fusion in STB planning on effectiveness of morphological verification and risks of intraoperative complications.
Materials and methods. The most common indications for brain tumor biopsy is definitive diagnosis of the intracranial lesion and differentiation of the neoplastic and non-neoplastic pathology. During 2019 170 patients (95 men and 75 femmes) 7–69 years old underwent stereotactic biopsy an Integra LifeSciences Corporation Cosman–Roberts–Wells® (CRW®) system. In 80 cases, we used CT and MRI fusion by NeuroSight program to select the target point, entry point and trajectory of the brain biopsy. In 90 cases we use only CT images for stereotactic brain biopsy planning.
Results. Among 80 patients with use of combined CT-MRI fusion only one case was not histologically verified. In 90 patients with use of only CT-imaging for STB 3 cases were histologically not verified. There were no hemorrhagic complications among 80 patients in CT-MRI fusion group. In 3 cases intracranial hematomas were identified that required surgical treatment after STB with use of CT-imaging for STB panning.
Conclusion. The use of modern MRI and PET-CT imaging for STB planning increases its informativity and reduces the probability of hemorrhagic complications. Stereotactic biopsies remain a safe and reliable method for obtaining histological material. The use of modern imaging methods in biopsy planning increases their accuracy and reduces possible complications.

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