Gadolinium-DTPA enhanced MR imaging of septic dural sinus thrombosis

We present a case of septic transverse/sigmoid sinus thrombosis imaged with gadopentetate dimeglumine enhanced magnetic resonance (MR). The appearance of the septic thrombus was atypical and did not conform to the usual blood degradation products probably because of the septic nature of the process. Enhanced T1-weighted images demonstrate both the "delta" sign and the tentorial enhancement as previously seen with contrast enhanced CT. Surgical correlation was obtained and helps to account for the appearance of the clot on MR.     

Diffusion- and perfusion-weighted MR imaging during the hyperacute phase of stroke

The sensitivity of diffusion-weighted MR imaging to detect a lesion within 6 hours of stroke onset was approximately 90%. The false negative results were usually small lesions (1 ml), were seen early, and were usually located in the brain stem. The specificity of this technique was nearly 100% when it was used correctly. The volume and the value of the apparent diffusion coefficient of the detected lesions provided prognostic information. After injection of a contrast agent (perfusion imaging), a time series of volumes were obtained using a T2* sensitive gradient echo EPI sequence. Hemodynamic perturbations of the cerebral parenchyma could be detected as well as the type of perturbation in the lesion. A map representing the mean transit time for each voxel was used to define the maximum volume of the perturbation. A hemodynamic penumbra was defined to be when this volume was larger than the volume detected on the diffusion images. The quantitative measure of cerebral blood flow could predict the irreversibility of the lesions when the value was below 18 ml/min/100g, and the extension of the ischemia in the penumbra zone when the value was below a threshold of 30 ml/min/100g.     

MR imaging of transverse/sigmoid dural sinus and jugular vein thrombosis

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed on six patients with thrombosis involving the transverse/sigmoid sinus and jugular bulb/vein. Venographic confirmation was obtained in five cases. Thrombi were characterized by increased intraluminal signal on all planes of section and pulse sequences. The change in signal intensity from first to second echo for thrombi was qualitatively less than that found with slow flow. Partial thrombosis in one case was seen as a ring pattern of central intermediate intensity corresponding to the thrombus, surrounded by a peripheral ring of signal void related to flowing blood. The MR findings closely correlated with venography in predicting thrombosis. Evidence of thrombi was not available from CT. Magnetic resonance is well suited for the diagnosis of occlusive disease of the dural venous sinus and jugular bulb.     

Diffusion- and perfusion-weighted MR imaging in a patient with acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM).

To monitor changes of brain tissue metabolism in acute demyelinating encephalitis (ADEM), we examined a patient with suspected ADEM by serial MRI including diffusion- and perfusion-weighted imaging (DWI, PWI). Within the inflammatory tissue, the apparent diffusion coefficients were reduced, normal, and increased. Perfusion varied between reduced and normal values, except for small hyperperfused regions. Combining standard MRI with DWI and PWI may elucidate different overlapping phases in cerebral inflammation.     

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of dural sinus thrombosis

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful to diagnose dural sinus thrombosis. However, the representative appearance of dural sinus thrombosis on diffusion-weighted MRI has not been established. This study was aimed at determining whether cytotoxic or vasogenic edema is more predominant in the affected cerebral parenchyma and assessing the time courses and prognosis of dural sinus thrombosis lesion. The studies on sixteen patients with dural sinus thrombosis who underwent diffusion-weighted MRI were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnosis was confirmed by digital subtraction angiography in 11 patients and magnetic resonance angiography in five patients. Diffusion-weighted images with echo-planar imaging were obtained using two or three b values, with the highest b value of up to 1,000 s/mm(2). A region of interest was placed on an area of abnormal signal intensity to calculate apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs). Nine of the 16 patients had lesions with an increased ADC, whereas, three of these nine patients also had lesions with a decreased ADC. Among 11 patients who underwent initial MRI within 7 days of their last episode, eight had lesions with an increased ADC, of whom three had lesions mixed with both decreased and increased ADC areas. Follow-up studies of these three patients revealed the development of hemorrhagic infarction in two and subcortical hemorrhage in one. Vasogenic edema develops more predominantly and earlier in dural sinus thrombosis, though cytotoxic edema was also associated with the pathological changes in the early phase. Decrease of ADC value is presumed to reflect severe pathological conditions and indicate possible future development of infarction or hemorrhage.     

MR diagnosis of dural venous sinus thrombosis complicating L-asparaginase therapy

Dural venous sinus thrombosis is an important complication of L-asparaginase chemotherapy. The diagnosis and followup of this condition, using spin echo and fast imaging techniques, is described in three patients. Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging is a rapid, noninvasive technique for diagnosis and follow-up of this condition. Fast imaging techniques can improve the assessment of these patients.     

Partially recanalized chronic dural sinus thrombosis: findings on MR imaging, time-of-flight MR venography, and contrast-enhanced MR venography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The imaging appearance of chronic, partially recanalized dural sinus thrombosis has been incompletely described. We sought to more fully characterize the imaging findings of this entity on MR imaging, time-of-flight MR venography (TOF-MRV), and elliptic centric-ordered contrast-enhanced MR venography (CE-MRV). Materials and METHODS: From a data base of patients with cerebral venous thrombosis, 10 patients were identified with imaging and clinical findings consistent with the diagnosis of chronic, partially recanalized, dural sinus thrombosis. All patients had MR imaging of the brain without and with contrast. Nine patients underwent MRV, and 6 had both CE-MRV and TOF-MRV. Thirty-four venous segments were thrombosed and were assessed in detail for multiple imaging features. RESULTS: Most thrombosed segments were isointense to gray matter on T1-weighted images (85%), and hyperintense to gray matter on T2-weighted images (97%). Visible serpiginous intrathrombus flow voids were visible in 23 segments (8/10 patients) corresponding with areas of flow signal intensity on TOF-MRV and enhancing channels on contrast MRV. Eighty-four percent of thrombosed segments enhanced equal to or greater than venographically normal venous sinuses. TOF-MRV and CE-MRV were abnormal in all patients, and CE-MRV more completely characterized the thrombosed segments. The imaging appearance did not change in those patients with follow-up imaging (average 13.6 months). CONCLUSION: Chronic, partially recanalized, venous thrombosis has a characteristic appearance on MR and MRV. CE-MRV was abnormal in all cases, despite the intense enhancement of the thrombosed segments. Because of the highly selected nature of the cases reported, further study is required to determine whether these findings are present in all cases of this condition.     

MR imaging of dural AV fistulas at the cavernous sinus

The magnetic resonance appearance of dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) at the cavernous sinus (CS) was studied in six angiographically verified cases. Magnetic resonance clearly demonstrated shunted blood as an area of signal void both in the CS and in the superior ophthalmic vein. The relationship between shunted blood, internal carotid artery, and extraocular nerves, as well as proptosis, enlargement of the extraocular muscles, and bulging of the lateral wall of the CS were also depicted in the images. Normal venous flow in the involved CS was shown as a low signal area that enhanced after gadolinium administration. Magnetic resonance is useful for screening and follow-up examinations of dural AVFs at the CS. It is essentially a noninvasive procedure that may be repeated and obviates the need for follow-up angiography. However, it should be noted that a signal void in the CS sometimes represents normal venous flow. A definite diagnosis should rely on angiography, which is essential for therapeutic planning.     

Computed tomography of dural sinus thrombosis

The four patients presented here demonstrate the value of contrast enhanced CT in the diagnosis and serial evaluation of dural sinus thrombosis. Two patients were young women using oral contraceptives; another patient had lateral sinus thrombosis complicating mastoiditis; a fourth patient developed superior sagittal sinus thrombosis following hip surgery. Improvements in CT diagnosis, including the use of thin sections for evaluation of the deep venous structures and lateral sinuses complemented by multiplanar reconstruction or direct coronal scanning, are discussed. Sequential scans for following the progress of two patients treated by barbiturate coma added to the understanding of dural sinus occlusive disease.     

Physiologic variations in dural venous sinus flow on phase-contrast MR imaging

OBJECTIVE: Our study quantifies normal physiologic variations of dural sinus flow using phase-contrast MR imaging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifteen volunteers were imaged using nontriggered and triggered phase-contrast MR venography of the superior sagittal and transverse sinuses. Triggered scans were obtained during regular breathing; nontriggered scans were obtained during regular breathing, breath-holding, deep inspiratory breath-holding, and deep expiratory breath-holding. Analysis of variance, Bonferroni method, and Dunn post hoc analysis were used to determine any significant differences in the mean flow and velocity between the different breathing maneuvers. A paired t test was used to compare flow between sinuses during regular breathing. RESULTS: Deep inspiratory breath-holding and deep expiratory breath-holding resulted in a significant decrease in blood flow and velocity in all dural sinuses compared with regular breathing. During deep inspiratory breath-holding, blood flow decreased 30.8% in the superior sagittal sinus, 19.7% in the left transverse sinus, and 19.1% in the right transverse sinus. Similarly, during deep expiratory breath-holding, blood flow decreased 30.2% in the superior sagittal sinus, 20.8% in the left transverse sinus, and 20.3% in the right transverse sinus. The sum of the flow in the transverse sinuses was significantly greater than in the sagittal sinus. Normal pulsatility of dural sinus blood velocity was also characterized for all measured sinuses. CONCLUSION: Characterization of variations in dural sinus velocity and flow as a function of the cardiac cycle and breathing maneuvers, using phase-contrast MR imaging, may help separate physiologic from pathologic changes of flow resulting from conditions that influence the cerebrovascular circulation.     

Diffusion- and perfusion-weighted MRI in therapeutic neurointerventional procedures

We describe three patients in whom we used MRI, including diffusion- and perfusion-weighted imaging (DWI, PWI) in conjunction with endovascular therapy. Two had intracranial aneurysms and one an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The aneurysms were treated by coil embolisation or detachable balloons for proximal artery occlusion; the AVM was obliterated by intranidal glue injection. All patients had transient or permanent neurological deficits after treatment. The MRI techniques and interventional procedures are described and the DWI and PWI patterns found are correlated with the clinical features. We discuss how the information gained from MRI may increase our understanding of procedure-related complications and its potential impact on our therapeutic interventions, in order to prevent or limit the clinical consequences of such events. Received: 7 April 2000 Accepted: 19 December 2000     

Computerized tomography in dural sinus thrombosis

The incidence of dural sinus thrombosis (DST) appears to be on the rise. This is most probably due to an increased awareness as well as the earlier detection by computerized tomography (CT). Computerized tomography has emerged as the radiological screening procedure of choice and may in fact be the only investigation necessary. The CT scans should be done without and with contrast enhancement. A number of signs have been described; some are pathognomonic while others are nonspecific. As CT is relatively noninvasive, follow up scans at appropriate intervals can be done in patients suspected of having DST. CT can also aid in the understanding of its evolution and can prognosticate its outcome. Angiography is only reserved for a selected few where diagnosis proves difficult. We report our experience of 13 patients with DST.     

MR脑血流灌注成像在星形细胞肿瘤中的应用研究

目的　评价MR脑血流灌注成像在星形细胞肿瘤中的应用价值。方法　经手术及病理证实的星形细胞肿瘤共 2 6例。行常规MR及MR灌注成像检查。构建局部脑血容量 (rCBV)图 ,并计算肿瘤最大相对局部脑血容量 (rrCBV)值。评价星形细胞肿瘤的rCBV图表现 ,并分析平均最大rrCBV值与肿瘤病理学级别之间的关系。结果　 9例Ⅱ级星形细胞瘤的rCBV分布较均匀 ,接近或略高于对侧脑白质。 7例Ⅲ级和 10例Ⅳ级星形细胞肿瘤的rCBV分布明显不均匀 ,肿瘤实性区rCBV多有不同程度的升高 ;瘤内囊变坏死区和瘤周水肿区rCBV降低。增强MRI上 ,2例Ⅲ级和 2例Ⅳ级肿瘤内无明显强化区域 ,在rCBV图上脑血容量明显升高。Ⅱ～Ⅳ级肿瘤最大rrCBV的平均值分别为 0 91±0 18、3 5 1± 1 0 1和 4 75± 1 2 3;Ⅱ级与Ⅲ级 (t=6 79,P <0 0 1)、Ⅱ级与Ⅳ级 (t=9 75 ,P <0 0 1)、Ⅲ级与Ⅳ级之间 (t=2 19,P <0 0 5 )平均最大rrCBV值差异均有显著性意义。结论　MR脑血流灌注成像可观察星形细胞肿瘤的血流灌注变化 ,对判断星形细胞肿瘤的病理学分级有重要临床意义。     

MRI assessment of unsuspected dural sinus thrombosis

Summary In three patients with clinically unsuspected diagnosis, MRI has afforded a positive and conspicuous demonstration of dural sinus thrombosis, allowing specific treatment and followed by improvement in the patients' condition. Even in retrospect, CT examinations were nondiagnostic. Presenting symptoms were usual and nonspecific. CT and radionuclide scanning have proved valuable when performed on a clinically oriented basis. Angiography cannot be carried out without clear indications. MRI offers advantages in being a non-invasive technique without ionising radiation, allowing direct visualization and accurate delineation of the thrombus. MRI is definitely the method of choice to assess clinically suspected cerebral venous occlusion. As MR diagnosis relies on a routine examination protocol, we believe that it will detect other unsuspected cases of dural sinus thrombosis.     

Neonatal dural venous sinus thrombosis associated with central venous catheterization: CT and MR studies

We report a case of extensive thrombosis of dural venous sinuses associated with placement of a central venous catheter in the jugular vein. Cases such as this one, though uncommon, underscore a potentially devastating complication associated with central venous catheterization and emphasize caution in catheter placement particularly in neonates.     

Hypointense thrombus on T2-weighted MR imaging: a potential pitfall in the diagnosis of dural sinus thrombosis.

Purpose: To determine the frequency of hypointense appearance of dural sinus thrombosis on T2-weighted images, which may mimic a normal flow void, and when possible correlate with appearance on T1-weighted images. Methods and Materials: Retrospective review of radiology files showed 51 patients with a discharge diagnosis of dural sinus thrombosis who underwent MR imaging during the period 1986-1998. These images were reviewed by an experienced neuroradiologist for appearance on T2-weighted images. This process yielded five cases in which a hypointense appearance on this pulse sequence simulated a normal flow void. An additional two cases were added from the teaching files of two other institutions giving a total of seven cases (13% of studies). The resulting study population consisted of five women and two men (mean age 27.1 years). T1 weighted images were available in five patients. In two patients MR venography was available, but not T1-weighted images. The diagnosis of dural sinus thrombosis was based solely on absence of flow void on T1-weighted images in one case, solely on absence of flow void on MR venography in two cases and absence of flow void on T1-weighted images in conjunction with MR venography or gradient echo findings in 4 patients. All images were obtained on a 1.5 T magnet (GE Medical Systems; Milwaukee, Wisconsin). Results: In all patients hypointense signal of thrombus was isointense with normal flow voids in other dural sinuses on T2-weighted images. In all cases in which T1-weighted images were available, the signal intensity of thrombus was isointense to gray matter. Conclusion: Hypointense appearance of thrombus on T2-weighted images is a potential pitfall in the MR diagnosis of dural sinus thrombosis. Because thrombus in this stage of evolution appears isointense to gray matter on T1-weighted images, careful attention must be paid to other sequences to avoid this pitfall.     

Changing ventricular size in dural sinus thrombosis

Two cases of dural sinus thrombosis with enlarging ventricles are presented. The natural history of dural sinus thrombosis may explain the changing ventricular size.     

Mastoid effusion associated with dural sinus thrombosis

We present a series of three patients with mastoid air cell effusions associated with adjacent lateral sinus thrombosis. In all of these cases, the findings support the hypothesis that the mastoid effusion is secondary to sinus thrombosis rather then the other way around. Also shown is the chronology and natural evolution of mastoid air cell effusion secondary to sinus thrombosis as seen on planar imaging.