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Inflammatory aortic aneurysms: characteristic appearance on magnetic resonance imaging
W G Tennant1, G G Hartnell, R N Baird
1Vascular Studies Unit, Bristol Royal Infirmary, U.K.
European Journal of Vascular Surgery
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) accurately detects inflammatory aortic aneurysms by identifying characteristic laminated wall changes. This sensitive technique aids in differentiating inflammatory from non-inflammatory aneurysms preoperatively.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Inflammatory aortic aneurysms (IAAs) comprise 10-15% of aortic aneurysms and present with significant fibrous tissue.
- Peri-aortic fibrosis in IAAs can obstruct adjacent organs, complicating surgery and increasing risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying inflammatory aortic aneurysms.
- To compare MRI findings with surgical and pathological diagnoses of aneurysm type.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 15 patients with IAAs and 46 with non-inflammatory aneurysms.
- Preoperative MRI scans (0.5 tesla) were analyzed for characteristic inflammatory changes.
- Surgical and histological examination confirmed aneurysm type.
Main Results:
- MRI correctly identified all 15 IAAs, showing a characteristic laminated wall with multiple high-signal layers.
- No false positives or negatives were observed in the non-inflammatory aneurysm group.
- In vitro MRI scans of inflammatory aneurysm wall samples confirmed the characteristic banding pattern.
Conclusions:
- MRI is a highly sensitive and accurate method for detecting inflammatory aortic aneurysms.
- Characteristic MRI findings enable reliable preoperative differentiation between inflammatory and non-inflammatory aortic aneurysms.