Nonvisualization of a large cerebral aneurysm despite highresolution magnetic resonance angiography

1995 ◽  
Vol 82 (2) ◽  
pp. 294-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Turtz ◽  
David Allen ◽  
Robert Koenigsberg ◽  
H. Warren Goldman

✓ The use of magnetic resonance (MR) angiography as a safe, accurate, and reliable substitute for invasive cerebral arteriography has been anticipated as refinements in this technique are introduced. We present the case of an unruptured, 11-mm pericallosal arterial aneurysm not visualized on high-resolution MR angiography. Although this case may be atypical, we caution against complete reliance on this test for exclusion of the presence of cerebral aneurysms.

1996 ◽  
Vol 85 (6) ◽  
pp. 1050-1055 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe P. Maeder ◽  
Reto A. Meuli ◽  
Nicolas de Tribolet

✓ This study was undertaken to evaluate the capacity of three-dimensional (3-D) time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography with VoxelView (VV) 3-D volume rendering to detect and characterize intracranial aneurysms and to compare this rendering technique with that of maximum intensity projection (MIP). Forty patients with a total of 53 intracranial aneurysms (10 giant and subgiant, 43 saccular) were consecutively admitted to University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland, and investigated with 3-D TOF MR angiography. Source images of the 43 saccular aneurysms were processed with both MIP and VV. The aneurysm detection rate of the two techniques and their ability to characterize features of an aneurysm, such as its neck and its relation to the parent vessel, were compared. Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography was used as the gold standard to which these techniques could be compared and evaluated. Four aneurysms, less than 3 mm in size, were missed using MIP compared to three missed using VV. The representation of aneurysmal morphology using VV was superior to that found using conventional angiography in nine cases, equal in 16 cases, and inferior in seven cases. The representation of the aneurysm neck using VV was superior to MIP in 21 cases, equal in 17 cases, and inferior in one case; it was superior to that shown using conventional angiography in 10 cases, equal in 18 cases, and inferior in four cases. Time-of-flight MR angiography in conjunction with both MIP and VV 3-D reconstruction was able to visualize all aneurysms that were larger than 3 mm. Compared to MIP, VV provides a better definition of the aneurysm neck and the morphology of saccular aneurysms, making VV valuable for use in a preoperative diagnostic workup.


1994 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 443-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie N. Sutton ◽  
Suzanne L. Wehrli ◽  
Laura Gennarelli ◽  
Zhiyue Wang ◽  
Robert Zimmerman ◽  
...  

✓ High-resolution proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy was performed on perchlorate extracts of tumors (24 cases) or peritumoral vermis (five cases) obtained at surgery. Fifteen tumors were typical cerebellar astrocytomas and nine were posterior fossa primitive neuroectodermal tumors/medulloblastomas. Spectra obtained from the five samples of peritumoral vermis revealed a pattern of metabolites similar to that reported for cerebellar tissue, but concentrations of most metabolites were low, perhaps due to dilution from peritumoral edema. The astrocytomas were characterized by high levels of valine, alanine, and choline, an increase in the choline:N-acetylaspartate (NAA) ratio, and a shift from glutamate to glutamine. Elevations in lactate, pyruvate, and glucose were the result of ischemia during sampling. The primitive neuroectodermal tumors/medulloblastomas were distinguished from astrocytomas by a greater increase in the choline:NAA ratio, a smaller decrease in the glutamate:glutamine ratio, and a relative increase in glycine, taurine, and inositol levels. These metabolic patterns may be of value diagnostically as in vivo MR spectroscopy achieves higher resolution.


2007 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Wong ◽  
Alim P. Mitha ◽  
Morgan Willson ◽  
Mark E. Hudon ◽  
Robert J. Sevick ◽  
...  

Object Digital subtraction (DS) angiography is the current gold standard of assessing intracranial aneurysms after coil placement. Magnetic resonance (MR) angiography offers a noninvasive, low-risk alternative, but its accuracy in delineating coil-treated aneurysms remains uncertain. The objective of this study, therefore, is to compare a high-resolution MR angiography protocol relative to DS angiography for the evaluation of coil-treated aneurysms. Methods In 2003, the authors initiated a prospective protocol of following up patients with coil-treated brain aneurysms using both 1.5-tesla gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography and biplanar DS angiography. Using acquired images, the subject aneurysm was independently scored for degree of remnant identified (complete obliteration, residual neck, or residual aneurysm) and the surgeon's ability to visualize the parent vessel (excellent, fair, or poor). Results Thirty-seven patients with 42 coil-treated aneurysms were enrolled for a total of 44 paired MR angiography–DS angiography tests (median 9 days between tests). An excellent correlation was found between DS and MR angiography for assessing any residual aneurysm, but not for visualizing the parent vessel (κ = 0.86 for residual aneurysm and 0.10 for parent vessel visualization). Paramagnetic artifact from the coil mass was minimal, and in some cases MR angiography identified contrast permeation into the coil mass not revealed by DS angiography. An intravascular microstent typically impeded proper visualization of the parent vessel on MR angiography. Conclusions Magnetic resonance angiography is a noninvasive and safe means of follow-up review for patients with coil-treated brain aneurysms. Compared with DS angiography, MR angiography accurately delineates residual aneurysm necks and parent vessel patency (in the absence of a stent), and offers superior visualization of contrast filling within the coil mass. Use of MR angiography may obviate the need for routine diagnostic DS angiography in select patients.


1995 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 982-987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Michiels ◽  
Hilde Bosmans ◽  
Bart Nuttin ◽  
Michael Knauth ◽  
Rudi Verbeeck ◽  
...  

✓ The authors discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of magnetic resonance (MR) angiography images in stereotactic neurosurgery. Current computer programs designed to assist the neurosurgeon in the planning of stereotactic neurosurgical interventions use intraarterial digital subtraction angiography images to visualize the blood vessels. Magnetic resonance angiography is a recent technique with a number of advantages over the digital subtraction method: it is less invasive and less prone to complications; it provides truly three-dimensional data sets that can be viewed from any direction; and it can visualize both stationary and flowing tissues with the same imaging device and localizer frame. Although digital subtraction images are still superior in contrast and vascular detail, state-of-the-art high-resolution MR angiography sequences provide sufficient vascular detail for planning surgery. Contrast-enhanced MR angiography images were acquired using adapted gradient-echo sequences to compensate for flow-induced distortions; postacquisition distortion correction was not necessary. Five methods to integrate and inspect a possible trajectory in the MR angiography data are discussed. Initial clinical experience with eight patients led to the conclusion that MR angiography is a valuable imaging modality that can be integrated reliably into a stereotactic neurosurgery planning procedure.


2004 ◽  
Vol 101 (3) ◽  
pp. 427-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Indra Yousry ◽  
Bernhard Moriggl ◽  
Markus Holtmannspoetter ◽  
Urs D. Schmid ◽  
Thomas P. Naidich ◽  
...  

Object. The trigeminal nerve conducts both sensory and motor impulses. Separate superior and inferior motor roots typically emerge from the pons just anterosuperomedial to the entry point of the sensory root, but to date these two motor roots have not been adequately displayed on magnetic resonance (MR) images. The specific aims of this study, therefore, were to identify the superior and inferior motor roots, to describe their exact relationship to the sensory root, and to assess the neurovascular relationships among all three roots of the trigeminal nerve. Methods. Thirty-three patients and seven cadaveric specimens (80 sides) were studied using three-dimensional (3D) Fourier transform constructive interference in steady-state (CISS) imaging. The 33 patients were also studied by obtaining complementary time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography sequences with and without contrast enhancement. At least one motor root was identified in all sides examined: in 51.2% of the sides a single motor root, in 37.5% two motor roots, and in 11.2% three motor roots. The superior cerebellar artery (SCA) and the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) contacted the sensory root in 45.5% of patients and 42.9% of specimens. The SCA often contacted the superior motor root (48.5% of patients and 50% of specimens) and less frequently the inferior motor root (26.5% of patients and 20% of specimens). Conclusions. Three-dimensional CISS and complementary 3D TOF MR angiography sequences reliably display sensory, superior motor, and inferior motor roots of the trigeminal nerve and their relationships to the SCA and AICA.


1996 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 384-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph E. Heiserman ◽  
Joseph M. Zabramski ◽  
Burton P. Drayer ◽  
Paul J. Keller

✓ Magnetic resonance (MR) angiography offers a safe, noninvasive alternative to conventional angiography in patients with suspected carotid stenosis; however, it tends to overestimate the severity of stenosis. Loss of the MR signal with a resulting flow gap is a frequent finding in cases of high-grade stenosis. The authors undertook this study to define the range of carotid stenosis associated with a flow gap on two-dimensional time-of-flight (2DTF)-MR angiography. Blinded evaluations were made of 102 common carotid bifurcations in 51 patients who had undergone both conventional angiography and 2DTF-MR angiography. The percent of diameter stenosis was calculated from the conventional angiogram using the method adopted by the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study (ACAS) trial. An MR flow gap was noted if there was a segment of the vessel that was completely free of signal with a reappearance of the signal distally. According to conventional angiography, the minimum percentage of stenosis associated with a flow gap is 56%. Flow gaps were present in 20 of 22 arteries (sensitivity 91%) with stenosis of 60% or more and in two of the 66 arteries (specificity 97%) with less than 60% stenosis. Flow gaps were present in all arteries with stenosis of 70% or more. Complete occlusion was correctly identified in 10 of 10 cases. These results demonstrate that the presence of a flow gap on 2DTF-MR angiography is a reliable marker of clinically significant carotid stenosis (measuring 60% or more), with sensitivity and specificity comparable to duplex carotid ultrasound. In addition, MR angiography can be used to screen the intracranial circulation for significant vascular pathology in patients being considered for carotid endarterectomy.


2012 ◽  
Vol 117 (2) ◽  
pp. 309-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josser E. Delgado Almandoz ◽  
Bharathi D. Jagadeesan ◽  
Daniel Refai ◽  
Christopher J. Moran ◽  
DeWitte T. Cross ◽  
...  

Object The yield of CT angiography (CTA) and MR angiography (MRA) in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who have a negative initial catheter angiogram is currently not well understood. This study aims to determine the yield of CTA and MRA in a prospective cohort of patients with SAH and a negative initial catheter angiogram. Methods From January 1, 2005, until September 1, 2010, the authors instituted a prospective protocol in which patients with SAH—as documented by noncontrast CT or CSF xanthochromia and a negative initial catheter angiogram— were evaluated using CTA and MRA to assess for causative cerebral aneurysms. Two neuroradiologists independently evaluated the noncontrast CT scans to determine the SAH pattern (perimesencephalic or not) and the CT and MR angiograms to assess for causative cerebral aneurysms. Results Seventy-seven patients were included, with a mean age of 52.8 years (median 54 years, range 19–88 years). Fifty patients were female (64.9%) and 27 male (35.1%). Forty-three patients had nonperimesencephalic SAH (55.8%), 29 patients had perimesencephalic SAH (37.7%), and 5 patients had CSF xanthochromia (6.5%). Computed tomography angiography demonstrated a causative cerebral aneurysm in 4 patients (5.2% yield), all of whom had nonperimesencephalic SAH (9.3% yield). Mean aneurysm size was 2.6 mm (range 2.1–3.3 mm). Magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated only 1 of these aneurysms. No causative cerebral aneurysms were found in patients with perimesencephalic SAH or CSF xanthochromia. Conclusions Computed tomography angiography is a valuable adjunct in the evaluation of patients with nonperimesencephalic SAH who have a negative initial catheter angiogram, demonstrating a causative cerebral aneurysm in 9.3% of patients.


2003 ◽  
Vol 99 (6) ◽  
pp. 947-952 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. Cowan ◽  
Justin B. Dimick ◽  
Reid M. Wainess ◽  
Gilbert R. Upchurch ◽  
B. Gregory Thompson

Object. In an age of multimodality and multidisciplinary treatment of cerebral aneurysms, patient outcomes have improved significantly. For a number of complex surgical procedures, hospitals with high case volumes yield superior outcomes. The effect of hospital volume on the mortality rate after emergency and elective cerebral aneurysm clip occlusion in a nationally representative sample of patients is unknown. Methods. Using clinical data derived from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years from 1995 through 1999, 12,023 patients who underwent clip occlusion of a cerebral aneurysm (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 3951) were included. Patient age, comorbid conditions, nature of admission, and diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage were abstracted. Hospital case volume was grouped into quartiles. Unadjusted and case-mix adjusted analyses were performed. The mean patient age was 53.2 ± 13.5 years. The overall crude postoperative mortality rates for emergency and elective aneurysm clip occlusion were 12.2 and 6.6%, respectively. Very low volume hospitals demonstrated higher mortality rates than very high volume hospitals for both emergency (14.7 compared with 8.9%, p < 0.001) and elective (9.4 compared with 4.5%, p < 0.001) aneurysm surgery. Patient-specific predictors of death in the multivariate model were renal disease (odds ratio [OR] 3.32, p < 0.042); age (> 60 years, OR 2.36, p < 0.001; 51–60 years, OR 1.63, p < 0.001; 40–50 years, OR 1.25, p = 0.047); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (present, OR 1.52, p < 0.001); and nature of admission (emergency, OR 1.18, p = 0.03). Provider-specific predictors of death included very low volume (OR 1.59, p < 0.001); low-volume (OR 1.37, p = 0.001); and high-volume (OR 1.45, p < 0.001) hospitals compared with very high volume hospitals. Conclusions. A significant volume—outcome effect exists for surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms in the US. Factors influencing this effect should be investigated to guide future healthcare policy and evidence-based referral. Whenever possible, healthcare practitioners should refer patients to centers in which superior outcomes are consistently demonstrated.


2005 ◽  
Vol 103 (6) ◽  
pp. 1046-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad A. Jamous ◽  
Shinji Nagahiro ◽  
Keiko T. Kitazato ◽  
Junichiro Satomi ◽  
Koichi Satoh

Object. Estrogen has been shown to play a central role in vascular biology. Although it may exert beneficial vascular effects, its role in the pathogenesis of cerebral aneurysms remains to be determined. To elucidate the role of hormones further, the authors examined the effects of bilateral oophorectomy on the formation and progression of cerebral aneurysms in rats. Methods. Forty-five female, 7-week-old Sprague—Dawley rats were divided into three equal groups. Group I consisted of intact rats (controls). To induce cerebral aneurysms, the animals in Groups II and III were subjected to ligation of the right common carotid and bilateral posterior renal arteries. One month later, the rats in Group II underwent bilateral oophorectomy. Three months after the experiment began all animals were killed and cerebral vascular corrosion casts were prepared and screened for cerebral aneurysms by using a scanning electron microscope. Plasma was used to determine the level of estradiol and the gelatinase activity. Hypertension developed in all rats except those in the control group. The estradiol level was significantly lower in Group II than in the other groups (p < 0.01). The incidence of cerebral aneurysm formation in Group II (60%) was three times higher than that in Group III (20%), and the mean size of aneurysms in Group II (76 ± 27 µm, mean ± standard deviation) was larger than that in Group III (28 ± 4.6 µm) (p < 0.05). No aneurysm developed in control animals (Group I), and there was no significant difference in plasma gelatinase activity among the three groups. Conclusions. The cerebral aneurysm model was highly reproducible in rats. Bilateral oophorectomy increased the susceptibility of rats to aneurysm formation, indicating that hormones play a role in the pathogenesis of cerebral aneurysms.


2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (5) ◽  
pp. 1023-1028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanh G. Phan ◽  
John Huston ◽  
Robert D. Brown ◽  
David O. Wiebers ◽  
David G. Piepgras

Object. The goal of this study was to determine the frequency of enlargement of unruptured intracranial aneurysms by using serial magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and to investigate whether aneurysm characteristics and demographic factors predict changes in aneurysm size. Methods. A retrospective review of MR angiograms obtained in 57 patients with 62 unruptured, untreated saccular aneurysms was performed. Fifty-five of the 57 patients had no history of subarachnoid hemorrhage. The means of three measurements of the maximum diameters of these lesions on MR source images defined the aneurysm size. The median follow-up period was 47 months (mean 50 months, range 17–90 months). No aneurysm ruptured during the follow-up period. Four patients (7%) harbored aneurysms that had increased in size. No aneurysms smaller than 9 mm in diameter grew larger, whereas four (44%) of the nine aneurysms with initial diameters of 9 mm or larger increased in size. Factors that predicted aneurysm growth included the size of the lesion (p < 0.001) and the presence of multiple lobes (p = 0.021). The location of the aneurysm did not predict an increased risk of enlargement. Conclusions. Patients with medium-sized or large aneurysms and patients harboring aneurysms with multiple lobes may be at increased risk for aneurysm growth and should be followed up with MR imaging if the aneurysm is left untreated.


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