Improved radiotherapy treatment planning for spinal cord tumors using gadolinium enhanced MR imaging.

Abstract

Primary intramedullary spinal cord tumors are frequently difficult to localize for radiation treatment planning. Conventional imaging techniques, including unenhanced magnetic resonance (MR) scans, cannot clearly distinguish residual tumor from surrounding normal spinal cord. Recently, contrast agents have been developed for MR that have considerable promise for improving tumor volume definition. This report describes the impact of contrast-enhanced MR on the treatment planning process for four patients with primary spinal cord tumors and discusses the significance of this technique for patients with these neoplasms.

• Authors: B R Griffin, J M Eskridge, N T Glover, M S Berger, K J Russell, W P Shuman
• Journal: Medical dosimetry : official journal of the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (Med Dosim) Vol. 14 Issue 1 Pg. 5-8 ( 1989) ISSN: 0958-3947 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2742748 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Contrast Media
• Organometallic Compounds
• Pentetic Acid
• Gadolinium
• Gadolinium DTPA

Topics

• Adult
• Contrast Media
• Female
• Gadolinium
• Gadolinium DTPA
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Organometallic Compounds
• Pentetic Acid
• Spinal Cord Neoplasms (diagnosis, radiotherapy)