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Neuroradiology

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01-03-2007 | Diagnostic Neuroradiology

Retrograde flow in the dural sinuses detected by three-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography

Authors: Akira Uchino, Keita Nomiyama, Yukinori Takase, Takahiko Nakazono, Yukiko Tominaga, Takeshi Imaizumi, Sho Kudo

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 3/2007

Abstract

Introduction

Retrograde flow in the left dural sinuses is sometimes detected by three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D-TOF) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of this phenomenon and its characteristic features on 3D-TOF MR angiograms.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed cranial MR angiography images of 1,078 patients examined at our institution. All images were obtained by the 3D-TOF technique with one of two 1.5-T scanners. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) images in the horizontal rotation view were displayed stereoscopically. We reviewed the source images, inferosuperior MIP images, and horizontal MIP images and identified retrograde flow in the dural sinuses.

Results

We found retrograde flow in the dural sinuses of 67 patients on the source images from 3D-TOF MR angiography; the incidence was 6.2%. In 47 of the 67 patients, retrograde flow was identified in the left inferior petrosal sinus, in 13, it was seen in the left sigmoid sinus, and in 6, it was seen in the left inferior petrosal and left sigmoid sinuses. The remaining patient had retrograde flow in the left inferior petrosal and left and right sigmoid sinuses. The mean age of the patients with retrograde flow was slightly greater than that of the patients without this phenomenon (70 years vs 63 years).

Conclusion

Retrograde flow in the dural sinuses frequently occurs on the left side in middle-aged and elderly patients during 3D-TOF MR angiography performed with the patient in the supine position. This phenomenon should not be misdiagnosed as a dural arteriovenous fistula.

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Title: Retrograde flow in the dural sinuses detected by three-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography
Authors: Akira Uchino
Keita Nomiyama
Yukinori Takase
Takahiko Nakazono
Yukiko Tominaga
Takeshi Imaizumi
Sho Kudo
Publication date: 01-03-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 3/2007
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-006-0186-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Retrograde flow in the dural sinuses detected by three-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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