Magnetic resonance imaging in childhood intracranial masses.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was compared with computerized tomography (CT) in 40 pediatric and adolescent patients with intracranial mass lesions as part of an ongoing project to determine the potential of MRI as a primary and definitive imaging modality. Multiplanar, multisequence MRI surpassed CT in providing mass localization, extent of involvement, and delineating the relationship to adjacent vital structures. Further development of MRI is encouraged to overcome current inconsistencies in pathologic characterization in order for this new technology to be employed not only as a primary screening modality but also as a definitive diagnostic test.