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A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Detection of normal spinal veins by using susceptibility-weighted imaging
Kinya Ishizaka1, Kohsuke Kudo, Noriyuki Fujima
1Department of Radiology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|December 23, 2009
Summary
Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) effectively visualizes spinal veins without contrast agents. This technique is feasible for imaging the complex network of extrinsic spinal veins in healthy volunteers.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
- Spinal Anatomy
Background:
- Spinal vein visualization is crucial for diagnosing various neurological conditions.
- Current imaging techniques may have limitations in depicting the intricate venous structures of the spine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for visualizing spinal veins.
- To evaluate the feasibility of SWI in depicting extrinsic spinal venous anatomy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 1.5-T MRI scanner with a spine matrix coil for axial SWI scans.
- Acquired 3D-FLASH sequences in 20 healthy volunteers.
- Reconstructed maximum intensity projections (MIPs) of phase images at multiple spinal levels and graded vein visibility.
Main Results:
- Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) successfully visualized the anterior median vein (AMV) in 100% of subjects.
- Detection rates varied for other veins, with the posterior median vein (PMV) at 65% and radiculomedullary veins showing lower visibility.
- SWI demonstrated feasibility for visualizing extrinsic spinal veins without contrast administration.
Conclusions:
- Spinal susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a viable technique for non-contrast visualization of spinal veins.
- SWI offers potential for improved anatomical assessment of the spinal venous system.
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