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Published on: April 18, 2025
Unespected dectection of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformation with 18F-DOPA PET/MR
Vincenzo Cuccurullo1, Pier Paolo Arcuri, Francesco Cicone
1Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Precision Medicine - Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy. vincenzo.cuccurullo@unicampania.it.
Abstract:
Unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) have a heterogeneous clinical presentation, mainly related to the presence of intracerebral hemorrhage. We report the diagnosis of AVM in a patient with Parkinson's disease (PD), who undergone positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) molecular brain imaging with fluorine-18-dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-DOPA). This case suggests that AVM may be occasionally recognized in molecular imaging studies using positron-emitting amino acids. Magnetic resonance imaging with susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) sequences and 3D time of flight (TOF) reconstruction may contribute to manage patients with AVM.
Insights
Unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) can be detected using advanced molecular brain imaging. This case highlights the potential of fluorine-18-DOPA PET/MRI in identifying AVM, even in patients with Parkinson
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) present with varied symptoms, often linked to intracerebral hemorrhage.
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the incidental diagnosis of AVM in a patient with PD using molecular brain imaging.
- To explore the utility of positron-emitting amino acid imaging in detecting AVM.
Main Methods:
- Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) was performed.
- Fluorine-18-dihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-DOPA) was used as the radiotracer.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilized susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and 3D time of flight (TOF) sequences.
Main Results:
- AVM was diagnosed in a patient undergoing PET/MRI for PD evaluation.
- The study suggests that 18F-DOPA PET/MRI can identify AVMs.
Conclusions:
- Molecular imaging with positron-emitting amino acids may reveal AVMs.
- Advanced MRI techniques like SWI and 3D TOF are valuable for AVM management.
