Three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and contrast-enhanced MRA of intracranial aneurysms treated with platinum coils.
BACKGROUND
Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) is less prone to flow-related signal intensity loss than three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D TOF) MRA and may therefore be more sensitive for detection of residual patency in platinum coil-treated intracranial aneurysms.


OBJECTIVE
To compare MRA and CE-MRA in the follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated with platinum coils.


METHODS
CE-MRA and 3D TOF MRA (pre- and postcontrast injection) of the intracranial vasculature was performed at 1.5T in 38 patients (47 aneurysms) referred for DSA in the follow-up of coiled intracranial aneurysms.


RESULTS
DSA showed aneurysm patency in 22/47 investigations. Patent aneurysm components were observed with CE-MRA in 18/22 cases, and with 3D TOF MRA in 21/22 cases. There was no significant difference in patent aneurysm component size between CE-MRA and 3D TOF MRA. In addition, CE-MRA showed six, 3D TOF MRA before contrast injection showed seven, and 3D TOF MRA after contrast injection showed eight cases with patent aneurysm components not observed on DSA.


CONCLUSIONS
3D TOF MRA was highly sensitive for detection of patent aneurysm components, and at least as sensitive as CE-MRA. Residual aneurysm patency seems to be better visualized with MRA than with DSA in some cases.
Wikström
J
J
Department of Radiology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. johan.wikstrom@radiol.uu.se
Ronne-Engström
E
E
Gal
G
G
Enblad
P
P
Tovi
M
M
D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction / Q000379:methods; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D010984:Platinum / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012015:Reference Standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014654:Vascular Patency; D014711:Vertebral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D003287:Contrast Media; D010984:Platinum; C064925:gadodiamide; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA