Which diagnostic test could be used to determine blood flow to a suspected brain tumor?

Which diagnostic test could be used to determine blood flow to a suspected brain tumor?

• A. Electroencephalography (EEG)
• B. CT scan
• C. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
• D. Angiography

Answer: (D)

Visualizing how blood moves to and within a brain tumor requires showing the cerebral vessels themselves. Angiography injects contrast into a cerebral artery and uses imaging to map the arterial and venous circulation. It directly reveals the tumor’s blood supply, including which arteries feed it and whether there is a distinct tumor blush or abnormal vasculature. This vascular map is crucial for planning surgical approaches or preoperative embolization. EEG looks at electrical activity, not blood flow; CT shows anatomy and mass effect but not detailed perfusion unless specialized perfusion studies are used; PET assesses metabolic activity rather than vessel flow. Therefore, angiography provides the information most specifically needed to determine blood flow to a suspected brain tumor.

Visualizing how blood moves to and within a brain tumor requires showing the cerebral vessels themselves. Angiography injects contrast into a cerebral artery and uses imaging to map the arterial and venous circulation. It directly reveals the tumor’s blood supply, including which arteries feed it and whether there is a distinct tumor blush or abnormal vasculature. This vascular map is crucial for planning surgical approaches or preoperative embolization.

EEG looks at electrical activity, not blood flow; CT shows anatomy and mass effect but not detailed perfusion unless specialized perfusion studies are used; PET assesses metabolic activity rather than vessel flow. Therefore, angiography provides the information most specifically needed to determine blood flow to a suspected brain tumor.