Validation of the jugular venous reflux animal model by three-dimensional time-of-flight MRA with a clinical scanner.
OBJECTIVE
A rat model of jugular venous reflux (JVR) is widely used in studies of cerebral arteriovenous fistula, cerebral venous hypertension and chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. However, methods to validate the effectiveness of the operation are needed.


METHODS
We performed neck 3-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with a clinical scanner in a rat model of JVR before and after the operation. High-resolution arterial angiography of the rat neck was acquired with maximum intensity projection.


RESULTS
In the JVR model, the success of the operation was validated by enhanced venous structures on MRA. The angiogram also provided information on the height of JVR and the status of other neck vessels.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, neck 3-dimensional time-of-flight MRA is a useful noninvasive method for monitoring the blood flow in multiple cerebral vessels in this animal model. It also revealed the height of JVR, collateral development and changes in vessels over time in longitudinal studies. This information should be considered in the evaluation of the animal model.
Shieh
Charng-Chyi
CC
Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Stroke Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC.
Hu
Han-Hwa
HH
Yang
Shun-Tai
ST
Lee
Tsong-Hai
TH
Hsu
Jee-Ching
JC
Wai
Yau-Yau
YY
Wong
Ho-Fai
HF
Chung
Chih-Ping
CP
D000818:Animals; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003097:Collateral Circulation; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004867:Equipment Design; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007601:Jugular Veins / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D051381:Rats; D011921:Rats, Inbred WKY; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013348:Subclavian Artery / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D014654:Vascular Patency; D014690:Venous Pressure