Diagnostic imaging advances in neurooncology.

: As we move into the 1990s, the field of diagnostic imaging displays greater usefulness as a result of continued technical improvements in existing modalities and the discovery of new techniques. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is now, without question, the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of tumors of the brain and spine. The general availability of the MR imaging contrast agent, gadolinium diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA), for the last three years has greatly expanded the role of MR imaging. Progress in metabolic imaging and MR spectroscopy may offer yet greater understanding of the physiology of brain tumors and has application for the diagnosis and posttreatment follow-up of these patients. These topics will be addressed in this review, which spans the years 1989 and 1990.