Usefulness of Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical usefulness of magnetic resonance angiography(MRA) as a diagnostic modality and for treatment planning of intracranial arteriovenous malformations(AVM). METHODS AND MATERIALS In 14 patients with intracranial AVM which were confirmed by operations, radiologic studies and clinical evaluations, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), MRA and conventional angiography(CA) were retrospectively reviewed with specific regards to nidus depiction, detectability of feeding arteries and draining veins, and number and anatomic consistency of these vessles. MRA was obtained by 3 D TOF, 2 D PC, and 3 D methods with adequate VENC selection. RESULTS: Nidus of AVM was well demonstrated in MRI and MRA, and no remarkable difference in detection and size estimation of nidus among MRI, MRA and CA except 2 cases of associated intracranial hemorrhage, in which 3 D PC MRA well depicted nidus that were not visualized on MRI because of subacute hemorrhage. Feeding arteries were well demonstrated on 3 D TOF and 3 D PC MRA. Dilated draining veins were well depicted on 3 D PC MRA by scannig with adequate VENC selection, and the results were no remarkable difference compared with the ones on CA. CONCLUSION: MRA of a consecutive scan after MRI is a excellent modality for evaluation and treatment planning of intracranial AVM, and possible substitutive method for CA except for radiotherapy or transarterial embolization.