Published online Nov 28, 2013. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v5.i11.386
Revised: October 8, 2013
Accepted: November 1, 2013
Published online: November 28, 2013
In order to further improve the impact of the continuously evolving neurointerventional techniques, the interventional neuroradiologist needs to have at his disposal more powerful techniques to image the central nervous system. With the recent development of diagnostics techniques that are computed tomography and magnetic resonance based we are now able to assess not just morphology, but also physiology, physiopathology and function. This review discusses the place of diagnostic techniques in the evaluation that the interventional neuroradiologist hast to make when confronted with patients. We provide an overview of current techniques for the brain and spine.
Core tip: Minimally invasive neuroradiology techniques are taking progressively a more and more important place in the management of patients with diseases of the nervous system. It is thus necessary for the physician who is going to perform them to both understand and master fully standard and advanced neuroimaging techniques that provide detailed insights into the functioning of the brain.