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01-07-2021 | Diagnostic Neuroradiology

Prevalence and anatomical characteristics of developmental venous anomalies: an MRI study

Authors: Karolina Brzegowy, Natalia Kowalska, Bernard Solewski, Agata Musiał, Tomasz Kasprzycki, Izabela Herman-Sucharska, Jerzy A. Walocha

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 7/2021

Abstract

Purpose

Developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) are extreme anatomical venous variations formed by multiple radiating medullary veins, which converge centripetally into a single collecting vein. Their coexistence with symptomatic cavernous malformations (CMs) has been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of DVAs using MRI.

Methods

A total of 6948 head MRIs of adult Caucasian patients were retrospectively analyzed to determine the number and locations of DVAs. We collected the data on the termination of the collecting vein, the prevalence of DVA-related CMs, and MRI FLAIR signal-hyperintensity corresponding to the location of the DVA.

Results

At least one DVA was identified in 7.46% of the patients. The prevalence decreased with age, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of − 0.7328. A total of 599 DVAs were identified. Multiple DVAs were found in 10.92% of the patients with DVAs. The DVAs were identified more often in the supratentorial region (73.12%, p < 0.0001), and the most common location was the frontal lobe (35.23%). The collecting vein usually drained into the superficial cerebral veins (68.78%). CMs were observed in 4.14% of the patients with DVAs, and the prevalence showed a positive correlation with age. Signal-intensity abnormalities were identified in the vicinity of 5.18% DVAs.

Conclusion

Knowledge about characteristics of DVAs and associated anomalies is essential for neuroradiologists and neurosurgeons. The large number of currently available diagnostic studies enables us to assess anatomical variants on a great number of subjects.

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Title: Prevalence and anatomical characteristics of developmental venous anomalies: an MRI study
Authors: Karolina Brzegowy
Natalia Kowalska
Bernard Solewski
Agata Musiał
Tomasz Kasprzycki
Izabela Herman-Sucharska
Jerzy A. Walocha
Publication date: 01-07-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 7/2021
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-020-02612-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Prevalence and anatomical characteristics of developmental venous anomalies: an MRI study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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