ABSTRACT
Neurovascular imaging studies are routinely used for the assessment of headaches and changes in mental status, stroke workup, and evaluation of the arteriovenous structures of the head and neck. These imaging studies are being performed with greater frequency as the aging population continues to increase. Magnetic resonance (MR) angiographic imaging techniques are helpful in this setting. However, mastering these techniques requires an in-depth understanding of the basic principles of physics, complex flow patterns, and the correlation of MR angiographic findings with conventional MR imaging findings. More than one imaging technique may be used to solve difficult cases, with each technique contributing unique information. Unfortunately, incorporating findings obtained with multiple imaging modalities may add to the diagnostic challenge. To ensure diagnostic accuracy, it is essential that the radiologist carefully evaluate the details provided by these modalities in light of basic physics principles, the fundamentals of various imaging techniques, and common neurovascular imaging pitfalls.
Subject(s)
Artifacts , Cerebral Arteries/pathology , Cerebral Arteries/physiopathology , Cerebrovascular Circulation , Image Enhancement/methods , Magnetic Resonance Angiography/methods , Blood Flow Velocity , Head/blood supply , Head/pathology , Head/physiopathology , Humans , Neck/blood supply , Neck/pathology , Neck/physiopathologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Many factors have been implicated in the etiology of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT). These include head injury, cancer, infections (sepsis, sinusitis, and mastoiditis), coagulopathies, pregnancy, systemic lupus erythematosus, and dehydration. CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of a patient who received long-term estrogen therapy for approximately 15 years after feminizing genitoplasty. The patient experienced a CVT with an excellent clinical outcome. A similar case has not been reported in the literature. CONCLUSION: Because CVT may be associated with morbidity, mortality, and risks from the complications and treatments of the condition, further research is needed to clarify the factors that may contribute to the long-term risk of CVT in patients receiving long-term estrogen therapy after feminizing genitoplasty.
