High-resolution three-dimensional 3 T magnetic resonance angiography for the evaluation of experimental aneurysm in the rabbit.
OBJECTIVE
The standard technique of two-dimensional intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (2D-DSA) for the imaging of experimental rabbit aneurysms is invasive and has considerable surgical risks. Therefore, minimally invasive techniques ideally providing three-dimensional imaging for intervention planning and follow-up are needed. This study evaluates the feasibility and quality of three-dimensional 3-T magnetic resonance angiography (3D-3T-MRA) and compares 3D-3T-MRA with 2D-DSA in experimental aneurysms in the rabbit.


METHODS
Three microsurgically created aneurysms in three rabbits were evaluated using 2D-DSA and 3D-3T-MRA. Imaging of the aneurysms was performed 2 weeks after creation using 2D-DSA and contrast-enhanced (CE) MRA. Measurements included aneurysm dome (length and width) and aneurysm neck. Aneurysm volumes were determined using CE-MRA.


RESULTS
The measurements of the aneurysms' dimensions and the evaluation of vicinity vessels with both techniques showed a good correlation. The mean aneurysm length, aneurysm width and neck width measured with DSA (6.9, 4.1 and 2.8 mm, respectively) correlated with the measurements performed in 3D-3T-MRA (6.9, 4 and 2.5 mm, respectively). The mean aneurysm volumes measured with CE-MRA was 46.7 mm(3).


CONCLUSIONS
3D-3T CE-MRA is feasible and less invasive and is a safer imaging alternative to DSA for experimental aneurysm. Additionally, aneurysm technique this precise offers the possibility of repetitive 3D aneurysm volumetry for long-term follow-up studies after endovascular aneurysm occlusion.
Sherif
Camillo
C
Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland.
Marbacher
Serge
S
Fandino
Javier
J
D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002533:Cerebral Angiography / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D011817:Rabbits