Real-time Image Guided Brain Biopsy Using Low-field Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Preliminary Clinical Report

Objective:To elucidate the preliminary clinical experience, advantage and disadvantage of the brain biopsy procedure guided by low-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI).Methods: Between August 2006 and February 2009,6 consecutive brain biopsy procedures were performed using the mobile 0.15-tesla PoleStar N-20 iMRI system in order to identify the pathological diagnosis of the intracranial lesions in these patients.Results:All biopsy samples comprised pathological tissue, leading to a diagnostic yield of 100%.A tiny hematoma was detected at the region of biopsy of the left basal ganglion on postoperative CT scans in only one patient with intracranial multi-lesions.Conclusions:iMRI-based neuronavigation is feasible when using the mobile 0.15-tesla PoleStar N-20 iMRI system for brain biopsy procedures.The most obvious advantage of using the system for brain biopsies is offering the opportunity of immediate verification of the location of needle tip, and this method produces a high histological yield and low complication rates.