Use of intraoperative MRI for resection of gliomas

Literature has shown that extent of tumor resection has an impact on quality of life and survival of patients with gliomas. Intraoperative MRI has been used to increase resection while preserving procedure's safety. METHOD: The first five patients with gliomas operated on at the University of São Paulo using intraoperative MRI are reported. All but one patient had Karnofsky Performance Status of 100% before surgery. Presentation symptoms were progressive headache, seizures, behavior disturbance, one instance of hemianopsia, and another of hemiparesis. RESULTS: Gross total removal was achieved in two patients. Surgical resection was limited by tumor invasion of critical areas like the internal capsule or the mesencephalon in the remaining patients. CONCLUSION: Intra-operative MRI is an important tool that helps surgeons to remove glial tumors, however, knowledge of physiology and functional anatomy is still fundamental to avoid morbidity.