MRI image analysis in patients with a tumor of the central nervous system : an attempt of developing a management algorithm

Magnetic resonance imaging study is currently the reference method for the detection and diagnosis of the central nervous system tumors. A large number of tumors, especially high-grade, has a higher water content in the cells, which results in prolongation of MRI T1 and T2 what appearance as increased signal intensity in in T2-weighted images and the reduction in T1-weighted images. MRI can be performed with administration of contrast agent, which shortens T1 and increases signal on T1-weighted sequences. This allows to identify areas of increased angiogenesis), which is the exponent of the cancer malignancy degree and its biological activity. Obtained MRI images are analyzed and evaluated by a radiologist and a clinician. Most of the time it is the "by the eye" analysis, which is based on the MRI image evaluation by the generally accepted radiological standards. However, this method is relatively inaccurate. which in turn can bring to the wrong diagnosis of the disease and implementation or even lack of implementation of appropriate treatment. More and more researches are conducted in this area, but developed methods are usually very complicated and difficult to carry out by the "layman" which is the clinician. That is why the attempt is made, to develop a simple and clear algorithm for MRI image analysis in patients with the central nervous system tumors, allowing for quick and objective evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging study.

Badanie metodą rezonansu magnetycznego jest aktualnie metodą referencyjną przy wykrywaniu i diagnozowaniu nowotworów centralnego układu nerwowego. Duża część nowotworów, zwłaszcza o wysokim stopniu złośliwości, charakteryzuje się większą zawartością wody w komórkach, co w badaniu MRI skutkuje wydłużeniem T1 i T2, uwidocznionym jako nasilenie sygnału w obrazach T2-zależnych oraz jego obniżeniem w obrazach T1-zależnych. MRI można przeprowadzić z podaniem środka kontrastowego, co powoduje skrócenie czasu T1 i podniesienie