Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of optic nerve gliomas.

Five patients with optic nerve gliomas were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Images obtained with MRI were equal to computed tomography (CT) in evaluation of the orbital components of these tumors and superior to CT in evaluating the intracanalicular, chiasmal, and post-chiasmal extension of tumor. MRI is unimpeded by artifacts produced by surrounding bone, as encountered in CT, and also proves to be more sensitive in delineating subtle differences in fat content and hydration of neural tissues. Thus, MRI is extremely valuable in furthering our understanding of the natural and therapeutic response of optic nerve gliomas.