Influence of fMRI on operative planning of brain tumors: Initial experience in a histopathologically variable subset of tumors

Background and purposeConventional MR imaging permits subcategorization of brain tumors; however, assessment of relation of the tumor to eloquent cortical centers is limited. Functional MRI (fMRI) is a promising method for visualizing cortical brain centers and for studying their relation to brain tumors which is an essential factor in proper planning of treatment strategy. The aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the value of fMRI in guiding preoperative decision making in patients with brain tumors.Materials and methodsBoth conventional and functional MRI were analyzed in 21 patients with brain tumors, the decision for treatment strategy for each case was determined twice, first with the data provided by the conventional MRI alone, second with the data provided by conventional and functional MRI.ResultsAccurate localization of eloquent cortical centers and as well as detailed assessment of their relation to the brain tumor were feasible in the majority of the examined patients, the data provided by this new technique modified the treatment strategy in seven of them aiming to avoid damage of eloquent brain areas.ConclusionfMRI can provide essential data about cortical centers and their relation with the tumor helping in safer preoperative planning.