Related Experiment Videos
Multiple occult vascular malformations of the brain and spinal cord: MRI diagnosis
P M Bourgouin1, D Tampieri, W Johnston
1Department of Radiology, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract:
We report a patient with multiple angiographically occult vascular malformations in the brain and spine. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple lesions in brain and spine with hypointense areas on both T1 and T2-weighted images. These hypointense areas are usually secondary to hemosiderin deposits consistent with remote bleeding in the lesions. We conclude that when magnetic resonance reveals an intraspinal lesion with signal intensity characteristics consistent with a vascular malformation, an examination of the brain should be performed to rule out associated intracranial lesions. The finding of multiple lesions in the brain with identical signal intensity characteristics reinforces the diagnosis of vascular malformation.
Insights
This study highlights multiple brain and spine vascular malformations. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed characteristic lesions, suggesting a need for brain evaluation when spinal malformations are found.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Vascular malformations can occur in the central nervous system.
- Diagnosis often relies on imaging characteristics.
- Angiographically occult lesions present diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A patient presented with multiple brain and spine lesions.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hypointense areas on T1 and T2-weighted images.
- These findings suggest hemosiderin deposits from remote bleeding.
Findings:
- Multiple angiographically occult vascular malformations were identified in the brain and spine.
- MRI signal intensity characteristics were consistent across all lesions.
- Hemosiderin deposits indicated a history of bleeding within the malformations.
Implications:
- MRI findings suggestive of spinal vascular malformations warrant a concurrent brain examination.
- Identifying multiple, similar lesions strengthens the diagnosis of vascular malformation.
- This underscores the importance of comprehensive neuroimaging for suspected vascular malformations.