[MR-angiography of the head and neck vessels: technical considerations and clinical indications]

J Radiol. 2005 Sep;86(9 Pt 2):1117-23. doi: 10.1016/s0221-0363(05)81503-3.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a very valuable tool in the routine evaluation of patients with stroke syndrome. It provides powerful noninvasive imaging of the cervical and intracranial vessels allowing the detection and the diagnosis of vascular anomalies. MRA usefully supplements, during the same examination, the analysis by MRI of the cerebral parenchyma. We will describe the indications of the various techniques (MRA with and without injection of contrast media) and show the value, artifacts and limitations of MRA in atherosclerotic stenosis or occlusive disease and in arterial dissections. This noninvasive vascular assessment will depend on the initial therapeutic orientation. Within the framework of the hemorrhagic stroke, we will discuss the role and the interest of dynamic MR angiography in the tracking and control of intracranial aneurysms and also the contribution of this newer sequences with gadolinium injection in the detection of cerebral vascular malformations.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Dissection / diagnosis
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / diagnosis
  • Arteriosclerosis / diagnosis
  • Artifacts
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / diagnosis
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnosis
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / diagnosis
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography* / methods
  • Stroke / diagnosis
  • Technology, Radiologic

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium