Arterialization of cerebral veins on dynamic MDCT angiography: a possible sign of a dural arteriovenous fistula

OBJECTIVE: MDCT angiography allows fast imaging of the cerebral vessels, and its potential as a noninvasive technique to detect vascular abnormalities on the basis of morphologic changes is well established. We analyzed vascular enhancement patterns of cerebral venous structures on MDCT angiography, which enabled us to diagnose dural arteriovenous fistula. CONCLUSION: MDCT angiography performed during an early arterial phase showed asymmetrically higher contrast intensity in the transverse or sigmoid sinus, or both, in five patients. In all patients, digital subtraction angiography confirmed the presence of a dural arteriovenous fistula on the side on which the higher contrast intensity appeared. Radiologists should actively look for this sign in the imaging workup of patients presenting with nonspecific symptoms that might be related to a dural arteriovenous fistula.