Evaluation of extracranial occlusive disease by digital subtraction angiography

The intravenous injection of contrast medium for angiography is a relatively new means of studying the arteries of the head and neck. Digital subtraction angiography allows the evaluation of patients with suspected vascular disease without the risk of arterial catheterization.     

股骨颈骨折后选择性血管造影评价股骨头血液循环

目的 探讨选择性血管造影检查对评价股骨颈骨折后早期股骨头血液循环损伤及影响因素的价值。方法采用选择性旋股动脉及支持带动脉造影(DSA)，对9例2～23天内单侧股骨颈骨折患者血管损伤和血液循环改变进行评价。结果髋关节囊内出血2例，骨内出血4例，下、后支持带动脉损伤和血管移位各3例。患髋牵引时，除外下支持带动脉，其他支持带动脉无显影或仅显示起始部主干，相应股骨头颈部几无灌注成像，静脉显影延迟；髋关节维持伸直内旋位或囊内注入生理盐水后造影，所有支持带动脉无明确显影或仅显示其主干，股骨头颈部无灌注、染色，静脉显影延迟。结论选择性旋股内、外侧动脉DSA技术是一项准确评价股骨颈骨折后股骨头血液循环损伤及影响因素的微创性检查方法；股骨头血液循环受髋关节体位、囊内压和牵引等因素影响；牵引可导致或加重股骨颈骨折后股骨头缺血。     

Usefulness of 3-dimensional reconstructed images of renal arteries using rotational digital subtraction angiography

PURPOSE: We assess the feasibility of a 3-dimensional (D) reconstruction technique of rotational digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for visualization of the renal arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 28 kidneys in 20 patients. Rotational DSA images were obtained during a deep inspiratory pause after contrast material injection through the renal artery. Acquired data were transferred to an image workstation and reconstructed as 3-D images. Visibility of the main trunk of the renal artery, segmental arteries, interlobar arteries and arcuate arteries was classified as grade 4-excellent, grade 3-good, grade 2-satisfactory and grade 1-poor. The 3-D reconstructed images were compared with conventional 2-D DSA performed just before the rotational DSA. The criteria for evaluation were visibility of the aneurysm neck in 8 cases of aneurysm, delineation of the feeding arteries in 6 cases of renal lesions and visibility of the relationship between renal branches in other cases. RESULTS: Delineation of grades 4 to 1 was 93%, 7%, 0% and 0% for the main renal artery, 66%, 21%, 7% and 6% for segmental arteries, 61%, 11%, 21% and 7% for interlobar arteries, and 36%, 18%, 36% and 10% for arcuate arteries, respectively. The 3-D images had the advantage over 2-D DSA in 75% of cases. In all cases of aneurysm 3-D images were obviously more useful than 2-D DSA. CONCLUSIONS: 3-D images of renal arteries obtained with rotational DSA are considered acceptable for clinical use.     

The Efficacy of CT angiography using the IVR-CT/angio system for surgical treatment of spinal hemangioblastoma

We performed 3D-CT angiography (3D-CTA) with contrast injection to a feeding artery through a selectively introduced catheter into the intercostal artery in a patient with spinal hemangioblastoma. It revealed a relative three-dimensional (3D) anatomy between a tumor body, feeding arteries, draining veins, and surrounding vertebrae with superior resolution to 3D-CTA with intravenous contrast injection. This observation was used for preoperative planning facilitating tumor removal, through reconstructed 3D fly-through animation providing intraoperative identification and obliteration of feeding arteries. This examination was carried out without difficulty by utilizing IVR-CT/angio system (IVR: interventional radiology) which combines angiographic and CT equipment with a single fluoroscopy table, because it does not require a room-to-room transfer of the patient with the catheter left cannulated. DSA detection for any spinal lesions, neoplastic or vascular ones, is always better assisted by 3D-CTA with the IVR-CT/angio system (IVR-CTA).     

三维高时间分辨率MR血管减影成像诊断四肢软组织血管瘤

目的探讨四肢软组织血管瘤的常规MRI表现,评价三维高时间分辨率磁共振血管减影成像（3D-HR-MRI-SA）诊断该病的价值。方法对18例临床证实的四肢软组织血管瘤患者,采用3．0TMR机行常规MR平扫和增强扫描以及3D-HR-MRISA,观察3D-HR-MRISA显示供血动脉和引流静脉的能力。以4分法（0-3分）评价各序列对瘤灶的辨认能力。结果18例中,16例单发,2例多发,共20个病灶。17个瘤灶可见供血动脉,13个瘤灶可见引流静脉。脂肪抑制T2W1辨认瘤灶范围的累积评分（2．78±0．44）优于T1wI（1．67±1．00,P=0．013）、T2w1（2．33±0．50,P=0．035）及3I）-HR_MRIsA原始图像（1．89±0．60,P=0．009）,与脂肪抑制增强T1WI差异无统计学意义（2．33士0．71,P=0．169）,而脂肪抑制增强T1WI辨认瘤灶范围的能力优于3D-HR-MRISA原始图像（P=0．035）。结论3D-HR—MRISA可初步评估血管瘤的血流动力学状态,有利于临床制定诊疗方案,但在显示瘤灶范围及其与周围结构的关系方面不可替代常规序列MRI。     

A case of hemorrhagic non traumatic arteriovenous fistula of the scalp]

Arteriovenous malformation of the scalp in an uncommon disease and treatment for this lesion is difficult and controversial. A twenty-three-year-old male, who reported no history of head trauma, presented with spontaneous hemorrhage from the left temporal scalp. Neurologically he was normal except the tinnitus. Left external carotid angiography demonstrated arteriovenous malformation fed by the superior temporal and posterior auricular arteries. A dilated tortuous occipital artery was also recognized. The lesions were able to be surgically resected, alleviating intraoperative massive hemorrhage by proximal temporary occlusion of the external carotid artery at the left neck. Small feeding arteries from the meningeal artery which were not recognized on preoperative angiography were found at surgery. The arteriovenous fistula was successfully resected without any cosmetic problem.     

Current knowledge of the pathogenesis of infantile hemangiomas

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor of infancy, occurring shortly after birth in 5% to 10% of white infants. Hemangiomas occur in infants of all races but are most common in those who are white. These lesions are preponderant in females compared with males at rates of 3:1 to 5:1. Many hemangiomas are discrete, well-circumscribed masses present in the head and neck. Some hemangiomas are segmental and diffuse, often involving large areas of the extremities or the head and neck. Chorionic villus sampling at 9 to 12 weeks of gestation has been associated with a 21% increased incidence of hemangiomas in infants. Most hemangiomas occur sporadically without a hereditary component. However, in a few families, hemangiomas segregate as a highly penetrant, autosomal dominant trait. Gene linkage studies of familial infantile hemangiomas show evidence of linkage to chromosome 5q31-33.     

Intracranial capillary hemangioma: a case report]

Capillary hemangiomas are the most common tumor of the neck and head in children. Intracranial capillary hemangioma without generalized neuro-cutaneous hemangiomatosis is extremely rare, with only one report in the literature. We report a case of intracranial capillary hemangioma originating from the temporal base. An 8-year-old boy presented with a severe headache and nausea. A CT scan showed a low-density area in the left temporal lobe and an iso-density mass at the temporal base. This mass was enhanced by contrast medium. The mass lesion appeared as an iso-intensity area on T1-weighted MR images and as a high-intensity area on T2-weighted MR images, and the mass was enhanced almost uniformly by gadoliniumdiethylene triaminepenta-acetic acid. Cerebral angiography showed abnormal staining fed by the anterior temporal artery. An operation was performed, and all of the tumor with the dura attached was removed. The histological diagnosis was capillary hemangioma. The tumor consisted of a proliferation of capillary vessels lined by a single layer of endothelial cells. In this paper, we review the clinical features, neuro-imaging findings and proposed etiology of capillary hemangioma.     

Free-breathing renal MR angiography with steady-state free-precession (SSFP) and slab-selective spin inversion: initial results

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was the investigation of a novel navigator-gated three-dimensional (3D) steady-state free-precession (SSFP) sequence for free-breathing renal magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) without contrast medium, and to examine the advantage of an additional inversion prepulse for improved contrast. METHODS: Eight healthy volunteers (mean age 29 years) and eight patients (mean age 53 years) were investigated on a 1.5 Tesla MR system (ACS-NT, Philips, Best, The Netherlands). Renal MRA was performed using three navigator-gated free-breathing cardiac-triggered 3D SSFP sequences [repetition time (TR) = 4.4 ms, echo time (TE) = 2.2 ms, flip angle 85 degrees, spatial resolution 1.25 x 1.25 x 4.0 mm(3), scanning time approximately 1 minute 30 seconds]. The same sequence was performed without magnetization preparation, with a non-slab selective and a slab-selective inversion prepulse. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise (CNR) vessel length, and subjective image quality were compared. RESULTS: Three-dimensional SSFP imaging combined with a slab-selective inversion prepulse enabled selective and high contrast visualization of the renal arteries, including the more distal branches. Standard SSFP imaging without magnetization preparation demonstrated overlay by veins and renal parenchyma. A non-slab-selective prepulse abolished vessel visualization. CNR in SSFP with slab-selective inversion was 43.6 versus 10.6 (SSFP without magnetization preparation) and 0.4 (SSFP with non-slab-selective inversion), P < 0.008. CONCLUSION: Navigator-gated free-breathing cardiac-triggered 3D SSFP imaging combined with a slab-selective inversion prepulse is a novel, fast renal MRA technique without the need for contrast media.     

Epiphyseal Arterial Network and Inferior Retinacular Artery Seem Critical to Femoral Head Perfusion in Adults With Femoral Neck Fractures

Background

A better understanding of the blood supply of the femoral head is essential to guide therapeutic strategies for patients with femoral neck fractures. However, because of the limitations of conventional techniques, the precise distribution and characteristics of intraosseous arteries of the femoral head are not well displayed.

Questions/purposes

To explore the characteristics and interconnections of the intraosseous vessel system between different areas of the femoral head and the possible blood supply compensatory mechanism after femoral neck fracture.

Methods

The three-dimensional (3-D) structures of the intraosseous blood supply in 30 uninjured normal human femoral heads were reconstructed using angiography methods and microCT scans. The data were imported in the AMIRA^® and MIMICS^® software programs to reconstruct and quantify the extra- and intraosseous arteries (diameter, length). In a separate experiment, we evaluated the residual blood supply of femoral heads in 27 patients with femoral neck fractures before surgery by analyzing digital subtraction angiography data; during the study period, this was performed on all patients in whom hip-preserving surgery was planned, rather than arthroplasty. The number of affected and unaffected subjects included in the three groups (superior, inferior, and anterior retinacular arteries) with different types of fractures (Garden Types I–IV) were recorded and analyzed (Fisher’s exact test) to reflect the affected degrees of these three groups of retinacular arteries in patients after femoral neck fractures.

Results

The main results of our cadaver study were: (1) the main blood supply sources of the femoral head were connected by three main network structures as a whole, and the epiphyseal arterial network is the most widely distributed and the primary network structure in the femoral head; (2) the main stems of the epiphyseal arteries which were located on the periphery of the intraosseous vascular system have fewer anastomoses than the network located in the central region; (3) compared with the round ligament artery and anterior retinacular artery, the inferior retinacular artery has a relatively large caliber. Digital subtraction angiography of the 27 patients with hip fractures indicated that the inferior retinacular arterial system had a high likelihood of being unaffected after femoral neck fracture (100% [14 of 14] in nondisplaced fractures and 60% [six of 10] in Garden Type III fractures).

Conclusions

The epiphyseal arterial network and inferior retinacular arterial system appear to be two important structures for maintaining the femoral head blood supply after femoral neck fracture. Increased efforts to protect these key structures during surgery, such as drilling and placing internal implants closer to the central region of the femoral head, might be helpful to reduce the effect of iatrogenic injury of the intraosseous vascular system.

Clinical Relevance

3-D anatomic evidence of intraosseous arterial distribution of the femoral head and the high frequency with which the inferior retinacular arteries remained patent after femoral neck fracture lead us to consider the necessity of drilling and placing internal implants closer to the central region of the femoral head during surgery. Future controlled studies might evaluate this proposition.

     

带旋髂深血管蒂髂骨瓣转移对股骨头血供重建的影像学评价

目的：通过对术后股骨颈骨折患者两侧旋髂深血管的数字减影血管造影（DSA）或计算机断层扫描血管造影（CTA）,以及股骨头的ECT、MRI检查,探讨带旋髂深血管蒂髂骨瓣转移对股骨颈骨折术后股骨头血供重建的作用。方法：45例股骨颈囊内骨折,男30例,女15例;年龄16-50岁,平均36．5岁;病程乱25d,平均10．2d。头下型20例,头颈型10例,经颈型15例。应用带旋髂深血管蒂髂骨瓣转移结合空心拉力螺钉固定治疗,术后平均随访3年6个月,对术后两侧旋髂深血管的数字减影血管造影（DSA）或计算机断层扫描血管造影（CTA）,并行股骨头的ECT、MRI检查,动态观察转移血管的充盈情况并监测受区血供重建变化。结果：术后3周,38例行DSA检查显示,转移的旋髂深血管均通畅;7例行CTA的患者中2例显影不确切,再次DSA检查见血管通畅。术后1年以后的DSA或CTA检查均显示转移血管通畅。术后3、6、12个月ECT检查显示患侧的股骨头内核素浓集,分布均匀,两侧股骨头的放射性比值（ROI）的患侧与健侧的比值（D／N）均大于1．0,D／N平均值术后3个月为（2．12±0．21）,术后6个月为（2．04±0．14）,术后12个月为（1．71±0.11）,术后3、6个月之间的D／N值无明显差异（P〉0．05）,术后12个月的D／N值较术后3、6个月明显下降（P〈0．05）。但MR检查未发现股骨头密度下降、形态改变。结论：DSA、CTA、ECT、MRI证实带旋髂深血管蒂髂骨瓣可以为股骨头提供有效的血供,有利于股骨颈骨折后股骨头血供的重建。     

Hemangiomas of the nose: surgical management using a modified subunit approach

OBJECTIVES: To study a new surgical approach to pediatric nasal hemangiomas and the need for early surgical intervention. Childhood hemangiomas are most common in the head and neck area. They can result in life-altering situations by causing airway obstruction, disfigurement, ulceration, and other adverse effects. DESIGN: A retrospective study of 44 consecutive patients with hemangiomas treated in our clinic during the last 9 years. The clinical characteristics of these hemangiomas are assessed and the outcome after surgery is discussed with respect to different surgical approaches. A new modified subunit approach is introduced. RESULTS: Based on the subunit principle, the incision line was modified to allow better access to all nasal subunits. The results using this technique were superior to the results using conventional incisions with respect to accessibility of the tumor, ability to trim excess skin after tumor removal, and aesthetic outcome. In contrast to reports in the literature, early surgical intervention is advocated as a result of this study. CONCLUSIONS: This modified surgical technique shows superior results to the techniques used in earlier years. We strongly advocate early surgical intervention.     

Micro Perfusion and Quantitative Analysis of the Femoral Head Intraosseous Artery

The present study investigates the feasibility of micro perfusion of femoral head specimens from femoral neck fracture patients by the inferior retinacular arteries and performing intraosseous artery quantitative analysis of the femoral head. Twelve femoral neck fracture patients who had undergone conventional hip replacement surgery were included in this study. Femoral head specimen arteries were first dissected and exposed and then perfused by the inferior retinacular arteries and all the femoral heads underwent micro‐CT scanning. After micro‐CT scanning, a digital 3‐D model was reconstructed to quantify the femoral head intraosseous arteries for comparison with a normal femoral head. The artery length density, artery volume density, and artery length/volume ratio were calculated separately and compared with normal femoral head parameters. Micro‐CT scanning displayed the epiphyseal arterial network structure and their fine vascular branches in all 12 femoral neck fractures. Blood was supplied from the inferior retinacular artery to the epiphyseal arterial network then to all the fine blood vessels within the femoral head. No statistical differences were observed in femoral heads’ intraosseous artery length densities or volume densities between the normal and femoral neck fracture specimens, while the artery length/volume ratio showed a statistical difference, and the ratio increased from 19 to 46. Micro perfusion of the femoral head by the inferior retinacular arteries is possible and can present the epiphyseal network and their fine arterial branches in pathologic conditions to provide a morphological basis for the study of femoral head disease.     

Three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging based on time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography for superficial cerebral arteriovenous malformation--technical note

Direct surgery remains important for the treatment of superficial cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Surgical planning on the basis of careful analysis from various neuroimaging modalities can aid in resection of superficial AVM with favorable outcome. Three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging reconstructed from time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography was developed as an adjunctive tool for surgical planning of superficial AVM. 3-T TOF MR imaging without contrast medium was performed preoperatively in patients with superficial AVM. The images were imported into OsiriX imaging software and the 3D reconstructed MR image was produced using the volume rendering method. This 3D MR image could clearly visualize the surface angioarchitecture of the AVM with the surrounding brain on a single image, and clarified feeding arteries including draining veins and the relationship with sulci or fissures surrounding the nidus. 3D MR image of the whole AVM angioarchitecture was also displayed by skeletonization of the surrounding brain. Preoperative 3D MR image corresponded to the intraoperative view. Feeders on the brain surface were easily confirmed and obliterated during surgery, with the aid of the 3D MR images. 3D MR imaging for surgical planning of superficial AVM is simple and noninvasive to perform, enhances intraoperative orientation, and is helpful for successful resection.     

Transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head with preoperative superselective angiography

A prospective radiologic and scintigraphic study was made of 15 joints in 12 patients who underwent transtrochanteric rotational osteotomy of the femoral head after identifying by preoperative superselective angiography which arteries should be preserved during surgery. The preoperative superselective angiography revealed that the blood supply to the femoral head was provided by the medial femoral circumflex artery in 12 joints and a branch of the internal iliac artery in 3 joints. These nutrient arteries were preserved during surgery. At the follow-up examination made after at least 2 years, there were no cases of collapse of the new femoral head weight-bearing site, and also there were no cases with a large cold area in the femoral head on the scintigram obtained 2 months postoperatively. For this operative procedure, the nutrient arteries of the femoral head should be confirmed by preoperative superselective angiography, and it is essential that these arteries be preserved during surgery. Received: 22 March 1999     

Limitations of three-dimensional reconstructed computerized tomography angiography after clip placement for intracranial aneurysms

OBJECT: The authors compared the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed computerized tomography (CT) angiography with 3D digital subtraction (DS) angiography in assessing intracranial aneurysms after clip placement. A retrospective review of clinical cases was performed. METHODS: Between May 2001 and May 2003, 17 patients with a total of 20 intracranial aneurysms underwent 3D CT and 3D DS angiography following clip placement. The authors assessed the presence or absence of residual aneurysm necks and stenoocclusive changes in the parent artery and the neighboring artery. The efficacy of CT angiographic visualization was also evaluated. In 12 of the 20 aneurysms, both 3D modalities similarly demonstrated the residual aneurysm neck and stenoocclusive changes in the parent artery and neighboring artery. Three-dimensional CT angiography failed to demonstrate three of the aneurysms, and the studies were not considered suitable for evaluation because of the presence of metallic artifacts. In the remaining five studies, the 3D CT angiograms did not effectively demonstrate the neighboring and parent arteries. The detectability of residual aneurysm necks was correlated with the clip material and with the number of clips applied. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional DS angiography is still necessary in cases involving multiple clips or with cobalt alloy clips because the clips appear as metal artifacts on 3D CT angiography.     

Arterial embolization for iatrogenic life-threatening bleeding from subcutaneous hypervascular tumor in prone position

Performing angiography in the prone position is a difficult technique; however it is useful in some emergency situation. We experienced a 60 years old male who was performed lipema excision on his back in his family doctor＇s clinic. Since massive arterial bleeding could not be controlled with manual astriction, he transferred to our hospital in prone position with hemodynamic instability. Operating field was not kept because of massive bleeding; therefore surgical treatment was impossible. We planed emergency arterial embolization （AE） in prone position. Hence we chose the left radial artery for vascular access. The left subclavicle arteriography showed many major and minor feeding arteries from left subclavicular and axillary arteries and a massive extravasation of the contrast medium. Three major feeding arteries were performed AE with gelatin sponge and steel coils, After AE, massive bleeding was controlled. He could discharge from our hospital on the 5th hospital day without any complication. Arterial embolization for lifethreatening bleeding from subcutaneous hypervascular tumor in the prone position is first report to our knowledge, and it is extremely rare. However we thought that this technique is useful for patients who could not turn in the supine position, e.g. massive bleeding during renal biopsy and penetrating trauma from back.     

Cavernous hemangioma of the temporal muscle

Intramuscular cavernous hemangiomas are often found in the brain, but they are uncommon in the muscles of the head and neck region, with the masseter being the most frequent, followed by the trapezius and sternocleidomastoideus. Such a lesion in the temporal muscle is an extremely unusual situation. A 55-year-old man presented with intermittent headaches and painless swelling of the right temple region brought on by stress and bending forward. On MRI, T1-weighted imaging with enhancement after contrast medium showed a low signal-intense, fat-free lesion restricted to the temporal muscle. T2 weighting showed a hyperintense, high fluid content, low-flow lesion. There was no progression within 2 years. No resection was performed. In planning a treatment approach, one must bear in mind that cavernous hemangiomas in the temporal muscle or other muscles of the head and neck can be clinically distinguished from the more aggressive capillary ones. Complications are extremely rare (hemorrhage or functional deficits). These cavernomas should simply be followed up and only resected in case of any problems (cosmetic, neurological deficits). Electronic Publication     

Digital subtraction angiography for evaluating patients with renal carcinoma

Intravenous digital subtraction angiography has been performed on 39 patients with renal carcinoma. In 19 patients (group 1) imaging of the renal arteries was done following injection of 40 cc intravenous contrast medium through an antecubital vein. In 20 patients (group 2) 40 cc intravenous contrast medium were injected through a femoral vein and digital subtraction imaging of the inferior vena cava was obtained. In 12 of these patients the renal arteries also were visualized from the same injection of contrast medium. Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography of the renal arteries also was done in 5 patients in group 2. Intravenous digital subtraction angiography satisfactorily demonstrated main renal arterial anatomy in 29 of 35 patients (83 per cent) over-all but failed to delineate the renal mass in most cases. Excellent visualization of the inferior vena cava was obtained in all 20 patients in group 2. Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography yielded an accurate diagnosis of renal carcinoma in all 5 patients with minimal doses of contrast medium. We conclude that intravenous digital subtraction imaging combined with computerized tomography scanning or ultrasonography yields satisfactory diagnostic and anatomical information for most patients with renal carcinoma.     

Preoperative visualization of neurovascular anatomy in trigeminal neuralgia

OBJECT: The authors report on a novel technique to identify neurovascular compression in trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Using 3D reconstructed high-resolution balanced fast-field echo (BFFE) images fused with 3D time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and Gd-enhanced 3D spoiled gradient recalled sequence, it is possible to objectively visualize the trigeminal nerve and nearby arteries and veins. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 18 patients with unilateral TN using 3 sequences: BFFE, 3D TOF angiography, and 3D Gd-enhanced imaging. The images were imported into OsiriX imaging software; after their fusion, a 3D false-color reconstruction was produced using surface rendering. The reconstructed images objectively differentiate nerves and vessels and can be viewed from any angle, including the anticipated surgical approach. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were predicted to have neurovascular compression on the symptomatic side (9 arterial and 6 venous compressions). All patients had a vascular structure that was identical in location and configuration to that predicted on preoperative analysis. The 3 patients without predicted compression underwent surgical exploration because they manifested the classic symptoms. As expected, exploration in 2 of these patients revealed no offending vessel. The third patient had a small vein embedded in the trigeminal nerve that was beyond the resolution of the 3D Gd-enhanced study. CONCLUSIONS: Combining BFFE with MR angiography and Gd-enhanced MR images capitalizes on the advantages of both techniques, enabling MR angiography and contrast-enhanced MR imaging discrimination of vascular structures at BFFE resolution. This results in an unambiguous 3D image that can be used to identify the neurovascular compression and plan the surgical approach.