Mina Petkova, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jean-Yves Gauvrit MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Denis Trystram, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Francois Nataf, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jean-Francois Meder MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Catherine Oppenheim MD,PHD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To investigate the usefulness of a new 3D Magnetic Resonance Digital Subtraction Angiographic (3D MRDSA) technique combining time-resolved contrast-enhanced imaging and parallel imaging in the assessment of intracranial vascular malformations.

3D MRDSA time-resolved contrast-enhanced imaging in combination with parallel imaging was performed in 35 patients (arteriovenous malformations AVMs n=28; dural arteriovenous fistulas DAVFs n=3; no intracranial vascular malformation n=2; developmental venous anomaly n=1; temporosylvian anastomosis n=1). It involves a fast spoiled gradient-echo T1-weighted sequence with acquisition of mask followed by a bolus injection of gadolinium chelate on a sagittal plane at a temporal resolution of 0,8 seconds/frame. The method was compared with 3D MRDSA using parallel imaging alone and with conventional X-ray Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) in all patients. The type and number of feeders and drainers and the size of AVMs nidi were assessed. The temporal resolution was evaluated by a three-point grading scale and the spatial resolution by the ability to visualise the more distal branches of the anterior cerebral artery, the external carotid artery and the ophtalmic artery.

3D MRDSA using time-resolved and parallel imaging afforded superior temporal and spatial resolution in comparison with the 3D MRDSA using parallel imaging alone. Thus, this technique allows better detectability of early venous filling in patients with AVM and DAVF. When compared with conventional X-ray DSA, it displays less exhaustive delineation of feeders.

Although limited by a single acquisition plane and the lack of automatic bolus detection, our study shows that 3D MRDSA using both time-resolved and parallel imaging yields better temporal and spatial resolution than 3D MRDSA using parallel imaging alone and approaches those of conventional X-ray DSA. Therefore, it can be employed as a reliable and less invasive dynamic angiographic tool for diagnosis and follow-up of intracranial vascular malformations.

Petkova, M, Gauvrit, J, Trystram, D, Nataf, F, Meder, J, Oppenheim, C, Three-dimensional Magnetic Resonance Digital Subtraction Angiography Using Combined Time-resolved Contrast-enhanced Imaging and Parallel Imaging in the Assessment of Intracranial Vascular Malformations.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4419372.html