CT/MRI Fusion for Vascular Mapping and Navigated Resection of a Paraspinal Tumor

Background Computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) fusion is used increasingly in the surgical treatment of cranial pathology. The merging of these complementary modalities provides excellent visualization of the bony anatomy and clear delineation of the soft tissues, including neurovascular structures. To our knowledge, the application of CT/MRI fusion for the surgical management of spinal pathology has not been reported previously. Case Description A 70-year-old woman presented with a paraspinal tumor that originated from the right psoas muscle and extended into the lumbar neuroforamina, with intricate involvement of the lumbar plexus and retroperitoneal vasculature. CT/MRI fusion was used to map out the vessels surrounding the tumor and for intraoperative navigation during resection of this invasive paraspinal tumor. Conclusions This case highlights both the feasibility and the advantages of applying CT/MRI fusion technology to the surgical treatment of spinal pathology.