Magnetic resonance angiography in vertebrobasilar ischemia. Preliminary experience

Forty-five patients were evaluated for vertebrobasilar ischemic disease by magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Ten also underwent intraarterial digital subtraction angiography. All were sorted into three groups based on results of the MRA and their clinical presentation. In the first group, vertebrobasilar ischemic disease could be reasonably excluded. In the second, such disease was nearly certain. In the third group, the vertebrobasilar system could not readily be assessed by the MRA alone and often required further studies. In 8 of 10 patients a strong correlation was found between MRA and intraarterial digital subtraction angiography. MRA provided valuable information for assessing vertebrobasilar disease and, in many instances, eliminated the need for invasive angiography.