25 September 2023
Tomography with intravenous enhancement (contrast) is a standard examination of patients with suspected tumors of the brain and spinal cord.
CT and MRI diagnosis of brain tumors is based on the detection of direct and indirect signs of the tumor process. Direct signs are density changes (increase/decrease, lack of density changes), heterogeneous density changes. Indirect signs include displacement of the middle structures of the brain and vascular plexus, reduction of the lumen and/or deformation of the lateral ventricles, occlusion of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid with the development of hydrocephalus, swelling of the brain both near the tumor and on its periphery, hemorrhages, calcifications, necrosis.
Benign tumors are characterized by a homogeneous increase in density with enhancement after the introduction of a contrast agent; a homogeneous decrease in density without its change after the introduction of a contrast agent. Malignant tumors are characterized by heterogeneity of density, the presence of areas of reduced density inside the tumor (zone of necrosis). Heterogeneity of malignant tumors is caused by uneven vascularization of the tumor and the presence of foci of hemorrhage.
The nature and degree of accumulation of contrast material in the differential diagnosis of malignant gliomas is of key importance: with a benign tumor, accumulation is observed in 45-50%, while malignant gliomas accumulate contrast material in 100% of cases. Low-grade astrocytomas (pilocytic astrocytoma, fibrillary astrocytoma) in most cases do not accumulate contrast material on CT and MRI (although in 40% of low-grade astrocytomas, contrast enhancement may be observed, which is a sign of a worse disease prognosis).
Diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors using world-class technologies is possible at the Neurosurgery Center of the Universal Clinic "Oberig", which is headed by Andrii Oleksandrovich Danchyn - Doctor of Medical Sciences, Honored Doctor of Ukraine, neurosurgeon with 26 years of experience. His experience and expertise have saved thousands of lives for patients with neuro-oncology diagnoses.
Call: 044 521 30 03 or sign up for a consultation on the website: https://my.oberig.ua/ua/appointment/
