The role of time-resolved 3D contrast-enhanced MR angiography in the assessment and grading of cerebral arteriovenous malformations

Eur J Radiol. 2010 Jun;74(3):e117-21. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2009.04.063. Epub 2009 May 20.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the role of three-dimensional (3D) contrast-enhanced, time-resolved MR angiography (CE TR MRA) in patients with intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Methods: We studied 12 patient with intracranial AVMs on a 3.0T MR imaging system (Magentom TIM Trio, Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany) using 3D CE TR MRA with autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions and echo sharing schemes, which provided temporal resolution of 0.58 or 1.7s and near isotropic voxels. We qualitatively assessed image quality of the 3D CE TR MRA and compared the grading of the AVMs based on modified Spetzler-Martin system for 3D CE TR MRA and catheter digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

Results: CE TR MRA provided good quality images in the 3 standard orthogonal planes, and good arterial-venous separation in all cases. All AVMs were correctly graded by CE TR MRA when compared with DSA. 3D CE TR MRA provides a non-invasive alternative to DSA for the evaluation of cerebral AVMs.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Algorithms*
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Gadolinium DTPA*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium DTPA