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01-04-2013 | Neuro

Susceptibility-weighted angiography for the detection of high-flow intracranial vascular lesions: preliminary study

Authors: Jérôme Hodel, Raphaël Blanc, Mathieu Rodallec, Antoine Guillonnet, Sophie Gerber, Silvia Pistocchi, Rémi Sitta, Cécile Rabrait, Mathieu Zuber, Jean-Pierre Pruvo, Marc Zins, Xavier Leclerc

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 4/2013

Abstract

Objectives

Susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences may demonstrate various signal intensities of draining veins in cases of high-flow vascular malformation (HFVM), including arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF). Our objective was to evaluate susceptibility-weighted angiography (SWAN) for the detection of HFVM.

Methods

Fifty-eight consecutive patients with a suspected intracranial vascular malformation were explored with SWAN and post-contrast MRI sequences at 3 T. The diagnosis of slow-flow vascular malformation (SFVM), including developmental venous anomaly (DVA) or brain capillary telangiectasia (BCT), was based on MRI. Patients with suspected HFVM underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA). SWAN images were analysed by three blinded readers according to a three-point scale of the venous signal.

Results

Thirty-one patients presented 35 SFVM (26 DVA and 9 BCT) that systematically appeared hypointense on SWAN images. In patients with atypical MRI findings, DSA revealed one patient with an atypical DVA and 26 patients with HFVM (22 AVM and 4 dAVF). SWAN revealed at least one venous hyperintensity in all patients with HFVM. Agreement between readers was excellent.

Conclusions

SWAN appears reliable for characterising blood flow dynamics in brain veins. In clinical practice, SWAN can routinely rule out HFVM in patients with atypical brain veins.

Key Points

• Susceptibility-weighted angiography (SWAN) offers new perspectives for detecting intracranial vascular malformations.

• SWAN sequence provides non-invasive characterisation of blood flow dynamics.

• SWAN can differentiate between high and slow flowing venous blood.

• SWAN can routinely rule out high-flow vascular malformations.

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Title: Susceptibility-weighted angiography for the detection of high-flow intracranial vascular lesions: preliminary study
Authors: Jérôme Hodel
Raphaël Blanc
Mathieu Rodallec
Antoine Guillonnet
Sophie Gerber
Silvia Pistocchi
Rémi Sitta
Cécile Rabrait
Mathieu Zuber
Jean-Pierre Pruvo
Marc Zins
Xavier Leclerc
Publication date: 01-04-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 4/2013
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-012-2690-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Susceptibility-weighted angiography for the detection of high-flow intracranial vascular lesions: preliminary study

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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