title: The role of time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics (TRICKS) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in the evaluation of head-neck vascular anomalies: a preliminary experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this preliminary report, we describe our experience with time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics-MR angiography (TRICKS-MRA) in the assessment of head-neck vascular anomalies (HNVAs).
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively studied six consecutive patients with clinically suspected or diagnosed HNVAs. All of them underwent TRICKS-MRA of the head and neck as part of the routine for treatment planning. A digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was also performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TRICKS-MRA could be achieved in all cases. Three subjects were treated based on TRICKS-MRA imaging findings and subsequent DSA examination. In all of them, DSA confirmed the vascular architecture of HNVAs shown by TRICKS-MRA. In the other three patients, a close follow up to assess the evolution of the suspected haemangioma was preferred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TRICKS sequences add important diagnostic information in cases of HNVAs, helpful for therapeutic decisions and post-treatment follow up. We recommend TRICKS-MRA use (if technically possible) as part of routine MRI protocol for HNVAs, representing a possible alternative imaging tool to conventional DSA.
authors.affiliation: 1 San Raffaele Foundation Rome, Rehabilitation Facility Ceglie Messapica, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Romano
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tavanti
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Rossi Espagnet
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Terenzi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cassoni
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Suma
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boellis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pierallini
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Valentini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bozzao
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005260:Female; D006257:Head / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009333:Neck / Q000098:blood supply*; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; C090600:gadobutrol
keywords: digital subtraction angiography; head and neck; magnetic resonance angiography