title: Imaging of brain tumors.
abstract: Neuroimaging plays a crucial role in diagnosis of brain tumors and in the decision-making process for therapy. Functional imaging techniques can reflect cellular density (diffusion imaging), capillary density (perfusion techniques), and tissue biochemistry (magnetic resonance [MR] spectroscopy). In addition, cortical activation imaging (functional MR imaging) can identify various loci of eloquent cerebral cortical function. Combining these new tools can increase diagnostic specificity and confidence. Familiarity with conventional and advanced imaging findings facilitates accurate diagnosis, differentiation from other processes, and optimal patient treatment. This article is a practical synopsis of pathologic, clinical, and imaging spectra of most common brain tumors.
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic Radiology Department, Interbalcan Medical Centre, Asklipiou 10, Thessaloniki 57001, Greece. Electronic address: dchourm@hol.gr.
authors.forename: Danai
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chourmouzi
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic Radiology Department, Interbalcan Medical Centre, Asklipiou 10, Thessaloniki 57001, Greece.
authors.forename: Elissabet
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Papadopoulou
authors.affiliation: Computational Medicine Laboratory, Institute of Computer Science, Plastira 100 Vasilika Vouton, FORTH, Heraklion, Greece.
authors.forename: Kostantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Marias
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic Radiology Department, Interbalcan Medical Centre, Asklipiou 10, Thessaloniki 57001, Greece.
authors.forename: Antonios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Drevelegas
mesh_terms: D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy; D003287:Contrast Media; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D064847:Multimodal Imaging; D017599:Neuroectodermal Tumors / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D059906:Neuroimaging / Q000379:methods*; D055420:Perfusion Imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media
keywords: Brain tumors; Diffusion imaging; Functional magnetic resonance imaging; Magnetic resonance imaging; Magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Perfusion techniques