Biophysical Studies of Methods Utilizing Fluorescein and Its Derivatives to Diagnose Brain Tumors

Abstract

The clinical use of sodium fluorescein as an aid in the diagnosis and localization of brain tumors has been previously documented (6, 11, 14). Briefly, the technic used at the present time is as follows: All patients subjected to craniotomy are injected immediately preceding surgery with 1.0 gram of sodium fluorescein. At operation, the cortex of the brain is examined under ultraviolet light. If a superficial tumor is present, it can be easily distinguished and its limits outlined by the presence of the yellow-green fluorescence typical of fluorescein. If the tumor is below the cortex and gives no indication of its presence on examination and palpation, brain needles are commonly used to probe for it and to obtain biospy material. With singular consistency, the presence or absence of fluorescence of the tissue fragments procured has been indicative of the presence or absence of abnormal tissue. Edematous brain tissue fluoresces slightly, and therefore, even if the surgeon does not strike the tumor directl...