Related Experiment Videos
Dural arteriovenous fistulas: evaluation with MR imaging.
J K De Marco1, W P Dillon, V V Halback
1Department of Radiology, University of California San Francisco 94143.
Radiology
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can help diagnose cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) and identify patients at risk. Dilated cortical veins without a nidus on MR images suggest DAVF with venous occlusive disease, indicating higher complication risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Vascular Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) pose diagnostic challenges pre-angiography.
- Identifying DAVF patients at high risk for complications is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in DAVF patients.
- To characterize DAVF lesions and identify risk factors for complications.
- To assess MR imaging's utility in pretherapeutic planning for DAVF.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MR images from 12 patients with angiographically proven DAVF.
- Correlation of MR imaging findings with angiographic results.
- Assessment of complications such as infarction and hemorrhage on MR imaging.
Main Results:
- MR imaging findings of dilated cortical veins without a parenchymal nidus suggest DAVF with venous occlusive disease (VOD).
- Eight of 12 patients showed this MR imaging pattern, correlating with VOD on angiography.
- Complications were identified on MR imaging in eight patients with VOD, with 42% missed on angiography.
- Normal MR imaging findings were observed in DAVF without VOD or with unobstructed venous drainage.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is valuable for preangiographic diagnosis of DAVF, particularly those with venous occlusive disease.
- Dilated cortical veins without a nidus on MR imaging indicate DAVF with VOD and higher complication risk.
- MR imaging aids in identifying DAVF patients requiring urgent therapy due to VOD and associated risks.