ABSTRACT
Understanding of the structural and functional architecture of meningiomas has evolved
in concert with ever-changing imaging techniques. Currently available modalities for
characterization of meningiomas include (1) plain roentgenograms, (2) computed tomography
(CT), (3) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), (4) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS),
(5) cerebral angiography, and (6) radionuclide assays. Individually, these studies
provide a wealth of structural and anatomic data, clues regarding likely tumor subtype
and differentiation from other possible pathologies. They also provide a means for
preoperative intervention to facilitate surgical resection (and intraoperative navigational
capability) and an index for the prediction of intraoperative cleavage characteristics.
Together, these techniques allow an integrated, multimodality approach to care of
the patient with a meningioma.
KEYWORDS
Meningioma - computed tomography - magnetic resonance imaging - magnetic resonance
spectroscopy - angiography - somatostatin receptor spectroscopy