Related Experiment Videos
Intracranial aneurysms: diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional, Fourier transform, time-of-flight MR angiography
Y Korogi1, M Takahashi, N Mabuchi
1Department of Radiology, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Japan.
Insights
Three-dimensional, Fourier transform, time-of-flight magnetic resonance (MR) angiography accurately identifies larger intracranial aneurysms. However, this MR angiography technique shows limited utility for detecting smaller aneurysms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Intracranial aneurysms pose a significant risk for cerebrovascular events.
- Accurate and early detection of intracranial aneurysms is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional, Fourier transform, time-of-flight magnetic resonance (MR) angiography in detecting intracranial aneurysms.
Main Methods:
- MR angiograms from 126 patients with intracranial vascular lesions were analyzed.
- Comparison with conventional angiography identified 78 aneurysms in 61 patients.
- Maximum-intensity projection algorithms were used for MR angiogram evaluation.
Main Results:
- Overall sensitivity for aneurysm detection ranged from 58% to 68% (mean 63%).
- Sensitivity was higher for anterior communicating and middle cerebral artery aneurysms compared to internal carotid artery aneurysms.
- Detection sensitivity for aneurysms ≥5 mm was significantly better (mean 86%) than for smaller aneurysms (mean 56%).
Conclusions:
- Three-dimensional, Fourier transform, time-of-flight MR angiography is accurate for identifying intracranial aneurysms measuring 5 mm or larger.
- The technique's utility is limited in the detection of smaller intracranial aneurysms.
Purpose:
To assess the accuracy of three-dimensional, Fourier transform, time-of-flight magnetic resonance (MR) angiography in the identification of intracranial aneurysms.
Materials And Methods:
MR angiograms of 126 patients (59 male and 67 female patients, aged 12-77 years) with various intracranial vascular lesions were evaluated. Seventy-eight aneurysms, including 60 less than 5 mm in diameter, in 61 patients were depicted at conventional angiography. Eight projection images, as well as one axial collapsed MR angiogram obtained with a maximum-intensity projection algorithm, were used for evaluation.
Results:
Sensitivity for the five observers ranged from 58% to 68% (mean, 63%). Higher sensitivity was achieved for anterior communicating and middle cerebral artery aneurysms, while that for internal carotid artery aneurysms was poor. Sensitivities for small and medium aneurysms ranged from 50% to 60% (mean, 56%) and from 77% to 94% (mean, 86%), respectively.
Conclusion:
MR angiography can depict intracranial aneurysms 5 mm or larger with good accuracy but is less useful for the identification of smaller aneurysms.