Diagnosis of carotid-cavernous fistulas with magnetic resonance angiography--demonstrating the draining veins utilizing 3-D time-of-flight and 3-D phase-contrast techniques

Neurosurg Rev. 1996;19(1):7-12. doi: 10.1007/BF00346602.

Abstract

This study assessed the ability to diagnose carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) non-invasively using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Both three-dimensional time-of-flight (3-D TOF) MRA and three-dimensional phase-contrast (3-D PC) MRA were compared with conventional cerebral angiography in nine patients with CCFs. CCFs were grouped according to Barrow's classification. In all cases, 3-D TOF MRA revealed an inferior petrosal sinus as a draining vein. 3-D PC MRA demonstrated a dilated and tortuous superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) and reflux of the SOV in seven patients. In conclusion, CCFs can be diagnosed with MRA alone by demonstrating the drainging veins.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / classification
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Arteriovenous Malformations / classification
  • Arteriovenous Malformations / diagnosis
  • Blood Flow Velocity / physiology
  • Brain / blood supply*
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / classification
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / abnormalities
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / pathology*
  • Cavernous Sinus / abnormalities
  • Cavernous Sinus / pathology*
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Cranial Sinuses / pathology
  • Dura Mater / blood supply
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / instrumentation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Veins / pathology