Stereotactic localization with magnetic resonance imaging: a phantom study to compare the accuracy obtained using two-dimensional and three-dimensional data acquisitions.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the accuracy of stereotactic localization using magnetic resonance imaging (Siemens 1.5-T Magnetom; Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) with two-dimensional and three-dimensional data acquisition techniques.


METHODS
A phantom study was performed in which the coordinates of an array of rods were determined from images in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional studies and compared with measured values in a series of transverse, coronal, and sagittal images.


RESULTS
The results demonstrated a distinct advantage in using three-dimensional acquisition; an error greater than 2 mm was identified in only 0.8% of the imaged volume, compared with 12% of the imaged volume in the two-dimensional study.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicated that more accurate stereotactic localization is achieved with a three-dimensional acquisition.
Walton
L
L
Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield, England.
Hampshire
A
A
Forster
D M
DM
Kemeny
A A
AA
D016477:Artifacts; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*