AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN THE EVALUATION OF INTRACRANIAL SPACE-OCCUPYING LESIONS

Аннотация

This reference list provides essential sources on diagnostic neuroradiology, focusing on CT and MRI evaluations of intracranial lesions, including primary brain tumors and pediatric imaging. It highlights advancements in imaging modalities and their role in improving the diagnosis and management of neurological conditions. Key words: MRI, CT, Intracranial space-occupying lesions, diagnostic imaging, brain tumors. Introduction. Intracranial space-occupying lesions encompass a broad spectrum of pathological conditions. Their potential for causing severe morbidity and high mortality underscores the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis to guide appropriate interventions. The advent of advanced imaging modalities such as CT and MRI has transformed the diagnostic landscape, offering unparalleled anatomical precision in axial, sagittal, and coronal views, alongside detailed tumor tissue characterization. Moreover, the introduction of MR angiography has enabled the noninvasive construction of comprehensive 3D vascular maps, revealing the tumor’s blood supply with remarkable clarity. Together, these advancements have significantly enhanced the early detection and localization of space-occupying lesions (SOLs), while complementing modern neurosurgical techniques to improve clinical outcomes and prognosis [4,7,8]. When combined with MR angiography, these imaging techniques provide neurosurgeons with a virtual roadmap to assess the feasibility and optimal surgical approach. While CT is a more cost-effective and widely accessible imaging modality, it excels in detecting acute hemorrhages, identifying calcifications, and evaluating bone destruction [1,2]. The advantages of MRI over CT include its ability to precisely determine the,nature of a lesion, 250 International scientific journal “Interpretation and researches” Volume 1 issue 1 (47) | ISSN: 2181-4163 | Impact Factor: 8.2 distinguish between diffuse and focal abnormalities, identify residual or recurrent tumors, detect multiple lesions, and assess the relationship or extension of a lesion to the spine. Moreover, MRI excels in differentiating ambiguous findings observed on CT scans. Its capability for multiplanar imaging and the integration of MR angiography further enhance its diagnostic utility. The term "space-occupying lesions of the brain" refers to localized intracranial abnormalities, which may arise from neoplastic, vascular, or acute/chronic inflammatory conditions [3,5,6]. These lesions, by occupying space within the skull, contribute to increased intracranial pressure due to the skull’s inability to accommodate additional volume. Consequently, this pressure manifests as symptoms of raised intracranial tension. In this study, cases with either a clinical suspicion of brain space-occupying lesions or those already diagnosed were analyzed using cross-sectional MRI imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This cross-sectional study analyzed 70 cases of intracranial space-occupying lesions over a period from July 2023 to September 2024. Patients included in the study presented with symptoms of subacute onset raised intracranial tension (ICT) accompanied by lateralizing signs. Imaging investigations were performed to evaluate the relative frequency of different types of mass lesions. The study also encompassed acutely ill patients with raised ICT and fever, suspected of having intracranial abscesses, as well as individuals with nasopharyngeal carcinoma or neoplasms near the brain with suspected invasion. Additionally, some patients exhibited symptoms or signs indicative of posterior fossa lesions. The imaging was performed on MRI machine GE health care, SIGNA™ Creator 1.5 Tesla MRI Scanner at REPUBLICAN SCIENTIFIC CENTRE OF NEUROSURGERY UNDER THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN in Tashkent. MRI scans were conducted in the axial plane with a 15-degree gantry angulation to the canthomeatal line, following the selection of an appropriate Field of View (FOV) and localizer. Non-overlapping slices were acquired with thicknesses ranging from 3 mm to 5 mm, depending on the lesion. Coronal and sagittal sections were obtained for all cases to assess the anatomical location and extent of the lesion. Routine MRI brain sequences included Fast Spin Echo (FSE) T1- weighted, T2-weighted, FLAIR, GRE, and CISS images. Additional modalities such as MR angiography, MR spectroscopy, and MR venography were utilized as clinically indicated. For children and uncooperative patients, 2 mg of intravenous dexamethasone and 0.3 mg/kg of diazepam were administered by the attending clinicians. Both plain and contrast-enhanced studies were performed, with 0.2 ml/kg of MR-VESION(gadopentetate dimeglumine) administered for contrast enhancement on T1-weighted imaging. Imaging characteristics were meticulously recorded for all patients. Management decisions, outcomes, and follow-up data were documented when feasible. Imaging findings were correlated with histopathological diagnoses