Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
In Vivo Tracking of Edema Development and Microvascular Pathology in a Model of Experimental Cerebral Malaria Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: June 8, 2017
PWI-MRI and contrast extravasation in brain AVM help to estimate angiogenic activity
Guillaume Saliou1, Timo Krings, Dik R Rutgers
1Service de Neuroradiologie, Hôpital de Bicêtre, 78 rue du Général Leclerc, 94275, Kremlin Bicêtre cedex, France. guillaume.saliou@bct.aphp.fr
Introduction:
The aim of this study is to investigate perfusion characteristics of brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) by means of MRI perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI).
Methods:
Forty-three patients with brain AVM were prospectively included and investigated by PWI-MRI. Diagnosis of type of disease was made by angiogram. According to angiographic features, the study group was classified in three groups: two groups of patients with classical AVM (group 1 with few or no angiogenic feature (13 patients) and group 2 with many angiogenic features (18 patients)) and one group (group 3) which included patients with cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA; 12 patients). Twenty-one patients had never been treated endovascularly for their AVM and 22 patients received partial treatment by endovascular embolisation. Through PWI, corrected cerebral blood volume (CBVc), mean transit time (MTT), and percentage of microvascular leakage (MVL) as an indirect measure of permeability were assessed.
Results:
The three patient groups did not differ significantly in baseline and clinical parameters. CBVc, MTT, and MVL differed significantly between the three groups (p = 0.003, p = 0.04, p = 0.01, respectively), with the lowest mean values found in group 1 and the highest in group 3. Mean MVL was 11.4 in group 1, 18.6 in group 2, and 21.9 in group 3.
Conclusion:
MRI can demonstrate differences in PWI parameters among patients with classical AVM and CPA, which are related to angiographic features of these AVMs. Through PWI, the level of angiogenic activity in AVMs may be monitored.
Insights
MRI perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) can differentiate brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA). PWI parameters correlate with angiographic features, aiding in monitoring angiogenic activity in AVMs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Vascular Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) require accurate characterization.
- Understanding perfusion in AVMs is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- MRI perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) offers a non-invasive method to assess AVM hemodynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate perfusion characteristics of brain AVMs using MRI PWI.
- To differentiate between classical AVMs and cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA) based on PWI parameters.
- To correlate PWI findings with angiographic features and angiogenic activity.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 43 patients with brain AVMs using PWI-MRI.
- Classification into three groups: classical AVMs (low/high angiogenic features) and CPA.
- Assessment of corrected cerebral blood volume (CBVc), mean transit time (MTT), and microvascular leakage (MVL).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in CBVc, MTT, and MVL were observed between the three groups (p < 0.05).
- Group 3 (CPA) exhibited the highest mean MVL (21.9), followed by Group 2 (18.6) and Group 1 (11.4).
- PWI parameters varied significantly, reflecting distinct perfusion characteristics among AVM subtypes.
Conclusions:
- MRI PWI can distinguish between classical AVMs and CPA.
- PWI parameters correlate with angiographic features and angiogenic activity.
- PWI is a valuable tool for monitoring angiogenic activity in AVMs.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...