Nobuyuki Mori MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Yukio Miki MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ken-ichiro Kikuta MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Yasutaka Fushimi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Tsutomu Okada MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kaori Togashi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Shin-ichi Urayama, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Nobukatsu Sawamoto, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Nobuo Hashimoto MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hidenao Fukuyama, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To prospectively evaluate differences in detectability of cerebral microbleeds (MBs) in moyamoya disease (MMD) on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI) at 3T.

This study had institutional review board approval and informed consent was obtained from all patients. SWI and T2*WI were applied for 50 consecutive MMD patients. MB was defined as a very low signal intensity area in each sequence without continuity from surrounding vessel structures. Numbers of MBs were compared between sequences. To assess visualization, a grading score was assigned to each MB from Grade 3 (prominent) to Grade 0 (normal-appearing).

A total of 37 MBs were detected in 21 patients (42%) on SWI, compared to 27 MBs in 16 patients (32%) on T2*WI, with significant difference in number of MBs between the two sequences (P=0.002). Lesions displayed greater visual grading scores on SWI than on T2*WI (P<0.0001).

SWI offers better detectability of MBs in MMD than T2*WI at 3T.

MB can be considered as a potential indicator of cerebral hemorrhage in MMD and sensitive detection of MB using SWI at 3T could have clinical implications for management of MMD patients.

Mori, N, Miki, Y, Kikuta, K, Fushimi, Y, Okada, T, Togashi, K, Urayama, S, Sawamoto, N, Hashimoto, N, Fukuyama, H, et al, , et al, , Microbleeds in Moyamoya Disease: Susceptibility-weighted Imaging versus T2*-weighted Imaging at 3T.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5006403.html