[Computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography of brain meningiomas]

The article analyzes magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomography angiography for diagnosis of blood vessels in the brain. 215 patients with brain meningiomas were examined in 2006-2013 years. Among them 206 adults: 90 (43,3%) men, 119 (56,7%) weman from 19 to 76 years (mean age - 51,4 yrs) and 6 children (4 boys, 2 girls) from 6 to 16 years (mean age - 12 yrs). Adult patients with atypical and malignant meningiomas were 13,6%, children - 0,4%. All patients underwent MR-angiography (100%), CT angiography - 122 (56.7%). Based on the article data, it's obvious, that malignant meningiomas are characterized by a rather specific vasculature. Contrast-enhanced CT angiography makes possible to examine blood vessels, get sliced visualization of their images and, with the help of computer processing of the obtained data, to make a 3D image of the vascular system, to detect morphological and functional changes of brain blood vessels. From the informative point of view contrast-enhanced CT angiography dramatically changes digital angiography. MR tomography gives possibility to make a complete evaluation the brain vasculature in different parts, including small-caliber arteries and veins. The advantage of MRI examination is that it gives the possibility to manifest not only anatomical, but also functional characteristics of blood circulation. In case of localization of meningiomas close to main arterial and veins it's necessary to perform both non-contrast and contrast-enhanced MR angiography, because this method gives us the proper information about the damage of blood vessels and their involvement in the process. MR angiography makes possible to diagnose the involvement of arterial or venous vasculature in the tumor process, dislocation and extravasal compression of arterial branches, the degree of venous sinus damage and evaluation of draining collateral branches, thus enables us to provide prophylaxis of intra and postoperative hemorrhagic and ischemic complications.