Stereotactic target localization accuracy in interventional magnetic resonance imaging

Objective: To compare stereotactic target determination, based on images obtained from interventional MRI (iMRI), conventional closed MR and CT. Methods: Stereotactic coordinates for 55 targets in an artificial scull were derived from iMRI scans and compared using CT as the standard. Stereotactic coordinates were also derived from iMRI scans in a series of patients and compared using iMRI fused with CT as the standard. Results: The mean difference between targets in the skull phantom determined from iMRI and CT images was 0.90 +/- 0.28 mm, with a maximum difference of 1.57 mm. The mean difference between targets in the patients derived from iMRI alone and interventional MR fused with CT was 1.39 +/- 0.54 mm, with a maximum difference of 2.47 mm. Discussion: The results indicate that iMRI can be used for stereotactic target localization. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel.