Intracranial Metastases

Metastases are the most common adult intracranial tumors. The presence, location, and number of central nervous system metastases have important roles in defining the prognosis and the medical and surgical management of patients with systemic cancer. Conventional computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have been routinely used for screening and characterization of intracranial metastases. More recent modifications of conventional MRI techniques, use of higher field strength magnets, and newer MRI contrast agents have increased the sensitivity of metastasis detection. Modern MRI techniques such as diffusion, perfusion, and spectroscopy appear to be useful adjuncts in delineation and depiction of intracranial metastases. The role of nuclear medicine techniques, including positron-emission tomography, remains to be defined both in the screening of the brain of patients with systemic cancer and in the management of known brain metastases. Future research will determine the usefulness of the newer imaging techniques in terms of patient outcome.