Optimized time-resolved 3D contrast-enhanced MRA at 3T: appreciating the feasibility of assessing cervical paragangliomas.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To describe an optimized 3D time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR angiography (3D TR-CE-MRA) at 3T in diagnosing head and neck paragangliomas and assessing their morphology and relation to neighboring vessels.

METHODS:

In a prospective study, eight consecutive patients presenting cranial cervical masses suspected to be 10 paragangliomas were examined with 3D TR-CE-MRA at 3T. Two neuroradiologists evaluated the overall image quality, the presence of a paraganglioma, the maximum diameter, as well as the vessel invasion.

RESULTS:

In all of the cases, the overall image quality was scored as good. The tumors (n=10) were all visualized and localized. The mean maximum diameter was 32.7mm [range 7-80]. Vessel invasion was assessed as uncertain in one case and improbable in nine cases.

CONCLUSION:

3D TR-CE-MRA at 3T associated with conventional sequences facilitates a comprehensive investigation of paragangliomas, thus providing the anatomical and functional information.

• Authors: J-C Ferré, J-F Brunet, B Carsin-Nicol, A Larralde, B Godey, J-Y Gauvrit
• Journal: Journal of neuroradiology = Journal de neuroradiologie (J Neuroradiol) Vol. 37 Issue 2 Pg. 104-8 (May 2010) ISSN: 0150-9861 [Print] France
• PMID: 19781784 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Arteries (pathology)
• Cerebral Angiography (instrumentation, methods)
• Feasibility Studies
• Female
• Head and Neck Neoplasms (blood supply, diagnosis, pathology)
• Humans
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional (instrumentation, methods)
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (instrumentation, methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Organ Size
• Paraganglioma (blood supply, diagnosis, pathology)
• Time Factors
• Veins (pathology)