Imaging of Central Nervous System Tumors

Many Central Nerve System (CNS) tumors and even non–tumoral lesions may show a very similar imaging appearance; therefore, routine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are lack of specificity to differentiate these lesions. The key points in the differential diagnosis of CNS tumors are the location of the lesion (intra- or extra-axial, infra- or extra-tentorial) and the age of the patient. Multiparametric MRI techniques (Spectroscopy, Diffusion Weighted Imaging, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Perfusion Weighted Imaging, Functional MRI) reveal the information about the microscopic and functional behaviors of the tumor (cellular density, neo-vascularization, capillary leakage and metabolites, etc). Advanced multiparametric imaging tools support the diagnosis, management and follow-up of patients with CNS tumors as an accurate and reliable noninvasive technique