The role of early intra-operative MRI in partial resection of optic pathway/hypothalamic gliomas in children

Introduction Optic pathway/hypothalamic gliomas (OPHGs) are generally benign but situated in an exquisitely sensitive brain region. They follow an unpredictable course and are usually impossible to resect completely. We present a case series of 10 patients who underwent surgery for OPHGs with the aid of intra-operative MRI (ioMRI). The impact of ioMRI on OPHG resection is presented, and a role for ioMRI in partial resection is discussed.