Localization of superficial cerebral lesions using a magnetic resonance imaging-guided localizer.

The localization of superficial cerebral lesions may be difficult even if they reach the surface of the cerebral cortex. Intraoperative ultrasound often fails to detect subcortical lesions. A localization device using multiplanar MR-imaging has been designed to project such lesions to the scalp. This device is a hood-shaped grid made of polyethylene tubing filled with paramagnetic contrast agent. In this hemispherical grid the tubes are arranged at a distance of 15 to 30 mm so that the MR-plane always slices perpendicular to the axis of the tubing and depicts a bright spot per tube. It is rapidly filled prior to each MR-examination, placed on the patient's head, and taped to his forehead to avoid unintentional displacement during and after the examination until the projection of the lesion is marked on the skin.