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Three-dimensional time-of-flight MR-angiography and the surgical indication in brainstem cavernomas

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Summary

This study was designed to assess the diagnostic value of 3D time-of-flight MR-angiography in cerebral cavernomas. In seven patients, nine out of ten cavernomas were removed by microsurgery. While MR-angiography demonstrated well branches of brain arteries adjacent to the lesions, no flow signal in the vascular malformations was observed. On the other hand, there was a high intensity signal induced by methaemoglobin in those three patients with brainstem cavernomas who had experienced a significant bleeding attack seven months prior to admission. It had a spotted appearence in MR-angiography with volumes of the largest spots around 1.8 cm3. It is suggested that this spot signal could be used as a path marker for the surgical approach in brainstem cavernomas.

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Abbreviations

FISP:

Fast Imaging with Steady Precision

FLASH:

Fast Low Angle Shot

MIP:

Maximum Intensity Projection Method

MRI:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRA:

Magnetic Resonance Angiography

SE:

Spin Echo Sequence

3D:

Three dimensional

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery of the University, Heidelberg, Federal Republic of Germany

    B. Wowra, A. Aschoff & St. Kunze

  2. Institute of Radiology & Pathophysiology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Federal Republic of Germany

    G. Layer, L. R. Schad & W. Semmler

  3. Department of Neuropathology, Heidelberg, Federal Republic of Germany

    B. Ullrich & M. Kiessling

Authors
  1. B. Wowra
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  2. G. Layer
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  3. L. R. Schad
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  4. B. Ullrich
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  5. W. Semmler
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  6. A. Aschoff
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  7. M. Kiessling
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  8. St. Kunze
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Wowra, B., Layer, G., Schad, L.R. et al. Three-dimensional time-of-flight MR-angiography and the surgical indication in brainstem cavernomas. Acta neurochir 112, 77–82 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01405130

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01405130

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