RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Accuracy of Pre- and Postcontrast 3D Time-of-Flight MR Angiography in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Correlation with Catheter Angiography
JF American Journal of Neuroradiology
JO Am. J. Neuroradiol.
FD American Society of Neuroradiology
SP 923
OP 926
VO 28
IS 5
A1 H. Ishimaru
A1 M. Ochi
A1 M. Morikawa
A1 H. Takahata
A1 Y. Matsuoka
A1 T. Koshiishi
A1 T. Fujimoto
A1 A. Egawa
A1 K. Mitarai
A1 T. Murakami
A1 M. Uetani
YR 2007
UL http://www.ajnr.org/content/28/5/923.abstract
AB BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: 3D time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography (MRA) is insensitive to slowflow; however, the use of MR imaging contrast agents helps to visualize slow-flow vessels and avoids overestimation of vascular occlusion. The purpose of this study was to correlate pre- and postcontrast 3D TOF MRA with the results of conventional angiography during endovascular reperfusion therapy and to determine the accuracy of postcontrast 3D TOF MRA.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients who underwent endovascular reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke were retrospectively analyzed. MR imaging techniques included single-slab 3D TOF MRA with and without contrast, as well as perfusion-weighted imaging. Angiography during reperfusion therapy was used as a standard of reference. Affected arteries were divided into segments either proximal or distal to the lesion, and pre- and postcontrast MRA signals were graded as absent, diminished or narrowed, or normal.RESULTS: In 2 of 5 patients with arterial stenosis and 6 of 8 patients with complete occlusion, MRA signal intensity proximal to each lesion was absent, indicating a proximal pseudo-occlusion on precontrast MRA. Postcontrast MRA demonstrated an arterial signal intensity proximal to the stenotic or occlusive lesions in all 13 patients. Arterial signal intensity distal to the occlusion was identified on postcontrast MRA in 7 of 8 patients having complete occlusion, and the extent of occlusion on postcontrast MRA was similar to results of conventional angiography.CONCLUSION: In this small series, postcontrast 3D TOF MRA more accurately delineated the extent of stenotic or occlusive arterial lesions than precontrast MRA.