Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2026
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
The evaluation of MR localization for intracranial arteriovenous malformation treated with gamma knife
Objective:
To evaluate the image quality, treatment effectiveness and complications of intracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) treated with gamma knife by MR localization.
Methods:
According to Spetzler-Martin grading system, 73 intracranial AVMs were classified and treated with gamma knife by MR localization. The follow-up period was 6 to 34 months. The quality of MR localization image, the changes of AVM nidi after treatment were analyzed. Using ANOV (analysis of variance) statistic methods, we explored the relationship among the edema surrounding the AVM nidus, the radiation dosage and the AVM volume after treatment.
Results:
The margin of AVM nidus was clear in all images. In the 73 images, MR signal of the local cranial skin and bone on the fixed points of head frame disappeared in 11 (15%), high or low shallow curve signals in the cerebral border occurred in 5 (7%), the remaining 57 (78%) images had no artifacts. Based on the Spetzler-Martin grading score of AVM, the obliteration rates of AVM nidus were 100% in II, 88% in III, 57% in IV, 75% in V, 60% in VI during the 6-34 months follow-up after treatment. Edema around the AVM nidi occurred in 42 (57.5%) cases; among them, 27 were in slight degree, 10 in medium degree, and 5 in severe degree. Through ANOV statistic methods, we suggested that the degree of edema had no relation with the radiation dosage and AVM volume. Only one case had rebleeding 13 months after radiosurgery.
Conclusion:
MR localization for AVM treated with gamma knife is reliable and effective.
Insights
Gamma knife radiosurgery with MR localization is a reliable and effective treatment for intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). This method demonstrates good image quality and high obliteration rates, with minimal complications observed during follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) pose significant neurological risks.
- Gamma knife radiosurgery is a minimally invasive treatment option for AVMs.
- Accurate localization is crucial for effective gamma knife treatment of AVMs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gamma knife radiosurgery for intracranial AVMs using MR localization.
- To assess the image quality and treatment outcomes of AVMs treated with this technique.
- To analyze potential complications and their relationship with treatment parameters.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-three intracranial AVMs were classified using the Spetzler-Martin grading system.
- Patients underwent gamma knife radiosurgery guided by MR localization.
- Follow-up ranged from 6 to 34 months, with analysis of MR images and treatment effectiveness.
Main Results:
- MR localization provided clear visualization of AVM nidi with minimal artifacts (78% of cases).
- AVM nidus obliteration rates varied by Spetzler-Martin grade, with higher grades showing lower rates.
- Post-treatment edema occurred in 57.5% of cases, with no significant correlation to radiation dose or AVM volume.
Conclusions:
- MR localization is a reliable method for guiding gamma knife radiosurgery in AVM treatment.
- Gamma knife radiosurgery demonstrates effectiveness in obliterating AVM nidi.
- The technique is associated with a low rate of complications, including rebleeding.
