ABSTRACT
Objective To assess the accuracy of two-dimensional phase contrast (2D-PC) MR method for blood flow measurement within transverse sinusesby comparing this method with cine phase contrast (cine-PC) MR and Doppler in volunteers and patients. Methods (1) A total of 12 transverse sinuses were examined in 8 healthy volunteers. 2D-PC MR and cine-PC MR were used respectively to measure the transverse area of flow, the flow velocities, and the volumetric flow rates in the same position in every transverse sinus. Paired t-test was used for comparison between the results determined by 2D-PC MR and that determined by cine-PC MR. (2) A total of 6 transverse sinuses were examined in 5 patients who needed operation. 2D-PC MR was used to determine the blood flow velocity of transverse sinus before operation, and Doppler was used to determine the blood flow velocity of the same transverse sinus during operation. The linear regression analysis was used for statistical analysis. Results (1) Statistical analysis indicated that there were no significant difference among the transverse area of flow (t=-1.106, P=0.293), the flow velocities (t=0.262, P=0.798), and the volumetric flow rates (t=0.439, P=0.669) measured by using 2D-PC MR and cine PC MR, respectively. (2) The correlation between flow velocities determined by 2D-PC MR imaging before operation and that determined by Doppler during operation was in excellent agreement (=1.303x+0.62,r 2=0.88). Conclusion 2D-PC MR may be a practical convenient method for blood flow measurement within transverse sinuses system.