A simple technique for making a stereotactic localiser both CT and MRI compatible. Technical note.

Abstract

Stereotactic neurosurgery requires the utmost precision. This can be achieved with modern imaging methods, provided special localisers are used which produce reference points for the calculation of stereotactic coordinates. Since not every substance can be visualised in every imaging modality, various localisers are normally used. These contain, for example, thin steel wires for CT or copper sulphate for MRI. By using a mixture of jopamidol and copper sulphate at a ratio of 1:1, it is possible to make the reference points of a localiser visible in both CT as well as in MRI. In this way, the entire stereotactic planning can be carried out using only one single localiser. This not only simplifies the procedure, it also reduces costs.