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MR angiography of spinal vascular malformations
M Mascalchi1, M C Bianchi, N Quilici
1Cattedra di Radiologia, Università di Pisa, Italy.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) angiography shows promise for evaluating spinal vascular malformations, aiding in the detection of abnormal vessels. While effective, its ability to fully characterize all types of spinal vascular malformations requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Imaging
Background:
- Spinal vascular malformations are complex conditions requiring accurate diagnostic tools.
- Conventional MR imaging may not fully delineate vascular structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the capabilities and constraints of MR angiography (MRA) in diagnosing spinal vascular malformations.
- To compare MRA findings with gold-standard spinal selective arteriography.
Main Methods:
- Eleven patients with confirmed spinal vascular malformations underwent 2D phase-contrast MRA.
- Spinal selective arteriography served as the reference standard for comparison.
Main Results:
- MRA successfully identified spinal canal abnormalities in 10 out of 11 patients.
- MRA visualized arterial feeders in some arteriovenous malformations and fistulas but had limited success in detecting draining veins in dural arteriovenous fistulas.
Conclusions:
- MR angiography is a valuable adjunct to MR imaging for spinal vascular malformations.
- MRA offers complementary information for detection and characterization, though limitations exist in visualizing all vascular components.