A comparative study of CT and MRI in midline tumors of childhood and adolescence.

In order to compare the validity of CT and MRI, we evaluated results of these studies in 40 children and adolescents suffering from supratentorial and infratentorial midline tumors. Plain and enhanced CT scans were compared with MRI for sensitivity, specificity and capacity to delineate the tumor. These parameters were evaluated by three independent investigators on a scale with four grades of accuracy. The results demonstrate greater sensitivity and better delineation of the tumor with MRI, but greater specificity in diagnosis of tumors with CT studies.