The use of MR contrast in neoplastic disease of the brain.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice in the evaluation of patients with actual or suspected intracranial neoplasms. MRI has many advantages over alternative modalities. It provides increased sensitivity, permits multiplanar image display, is noninvasive, and has no associated ionizing radiation. MR contrast adds significantly to the evaluation of patients with suspected intracranial neoplasms. It further increases sensitivity to lesion detection, it more clearly defines tumor extent, and it facilitates the differentiation of tumor from normal adjacent structures. In virtually every instance, MR contrast enhances lesion conspicuity. In some cases, these neoplasms would be seen only with difficulty or not at all without the benefit of contrast enhancement. Thus, in the appropriate patient population, MR contrast enables more time-efficient and cost-effective diagnoses.