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Malignant glioma. Evaluation with 3D time-of-flight MR angiography
T Kadota1, H Nakagawa, C Kuroda
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, Japan.
Purpose:
To investigate the clinical utility of 3D time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography (MRA) in the evaluation of pathological vessels in patients with malignant glioma.
Material And Methods:
Sixteen patients with malignant glioma (12 with glioblastoma multiforme and 4 with anaplastic astrocytoma) were examined with 3D TOF MRA before and after the injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine. The 3D TOF MRA study was compared with conventional angiography in all patients.
Results:
The unenhanced 3D TOF MRAs successfully depicted the feeding arteries in 9 patients but failed to depict small feeding arteries in 2 patients in whom these arteries were shown by conventional angiography. The enhanced MRAs demonstrated draining veins from the lesions in 8 patients but failed to depict a draining vein in 1 patient that was shown by conventional angiography. The stereoscopic view projection effectively depicted displacements of the major cerebral arteries in 14 patients, and deep venous structures in 11 patients which almost accorded with the findings at conventional angiography.
Conclusion:
Our results indicate that 3D TOF MRA can provide an accurate visualization of pathological vascular structures and thus help establish a diagnosis in patients with malignant glioma.
Insights
3D time-of-flight MR angiography accurately visualizes pathological vessels in malignant glioma, aiding diagnosis. This technique helps identify feeding arteries and draining veins, improving patient evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Malignant glioma presents complex vascular abnormalities.
- Accurate vascular assessment is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical utility of 3D time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography (MRA) for assessing pathological vessels in malignant glioma patients.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen patients with malignant glioma underwent 3D TOF MRA before and after gadolinium contrast administration.
- 3D TOF MRA findings were compared with conventional angiography in all participants.
Main Results:
- Unenhanced 3D TOF MRA depicted feeding arteries in most patients, though small vessels were missed in some.
- Contrast-enhanced MRA identified draining veins, with one missed vein compared to conventional angiography.
- Stereoscopic projection accurately showed major artery displacements and deep venous structures.
Conclusions:
- 3D TOF MRA offers accurate visualization of pathological vascular structures in malignant glioma.
- This technique aids in establishing a diagnosis for patients with malignant glioma.