Computed Tomographic and Sonographic Characterizations of Central Nervous System Masses

Authors

Beatrice L. Madrazo
William P. Sanders
Bharat Mehta
Manuel Dujovny
Michael A. Sandler
David P. Chason
Jacob L. Chason
James I. Ausman

Abstract

We present our experience with 15 central nervous system masses evaluated preoperatively with computed tomography and by intraoperative sonography. Cysts were seen as sharply circumscribed, thin-walled masses, near water density by computed tomography, and echo-free by sonography. Inflammatory masses were well demarcated by tomography with areas of edema and ring enhancement but were poorly marginated and variable in appearance by sonography. Primary brain tumors presented as round, solid or complex masses best evaluated by intraoperative sonography in those cases where poor contrast enhancement resulted in limited characterization of the mass by computed tomography. Our experience suggests a very high degree of correlation between these two imaging methods. Therefore, sonography serves as an excellent study for the localization and characterization of central nervous system masses during surgery.

Recommended Citation

Madrazo, Beatrice L.; Sanders, William P.; Mehta, Bharat; Dujovny, Manuel; Sandler, Michael A.; Chason, David P.; Chason, Jacob L.; and Ausman, James I. (1985) "Computed Tomographic and Sonographic Characterizations of Central Nervous System Masses," Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal : Vol. 33 : No. 2 , 69-73.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/hfhmedjournal/vol33/iss2/3