Black Holes on MR Images of the Brain of Patients with Björk-Shiley Heart Valves: Additional Observation in Three Cases
Maarten J. van Gorpa,
Bas A.J.M. de Molc,
Chris J.G. Bakkerb,
Yolanda van der Graafa and
Willem P.T.M. Malib
a Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht
b Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht
c Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam and Section of Safety Science, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
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FIG 1. Patient 2.
A, Axial view T2*-weighted gradient-echo image (710/27.6/2 [TR/TE/number of excitations]) shows a black hole (arrow). Repeat images obtained after 1 year appeared unchanged, with no increase in number or size of black holes (not shown).
B, Corresponding axial view T2-weighted spin-echo image (1380/60/2) shows the same black hole with a typical white halo (arrow).
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FIG 2. Patient 3.
A, Axial view T2*-weighted gradient-echo image (710/27.6/2), obtained 1 week before double valve replacement, shows no apparent abnormalities.
B, Axial view T2*-weighted gradient-echo image (710/27.6/2), obtained 5 months after successful double valve replacement, shows one of the two large black holes (arrow)
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