Cervicofacial venous malformations. MRI features and interventional strategies.

Abstract

We retrospectively evaluated 53 consecutive patients with cervicofacial venous malformation who had sclerotherapy. This review included a demographic analysis, MRI reexamination and tabulation of interventional therapeutic strategies. All patients whose MRI studies were included in this review demonstrated characteristic findings: space occupying lesion with hyperintense T2 signal abnormality, patchy contrast enhancement, and no flow signal on the gradient echo images.We concluded that a complete MRI work-up of these patients requires post-contrast scanning and gradient-echo imaging in addition to the standard T1 and T2 weighted spin echo imaging. The majority of patients had sporadic (non-familial) venous anomalies. Sinus pericranii (SP) was identified in six patients (11%) and blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) was found in two patients (4%). MRI findings of sinus pericranii are discussed in detail. Although sodium tetradecyl and/or absolute ethanol are the most commonly used sclerosants, a wide variety of therapeutic strategies (depending on the nature of the abnormality) are also needed for these patients.

• Authors: O Konez, P E Burrows, J B Mulliken
• Journal: Interventional neuroradiology : journal of peritherapeutic neuroradiology, surgical procedures and related neurosciences (Interv Neuroradiol) Vol. 8 Issue 3 Pg. 227-34 (Sep 30 2002) ISSN: 1591-0199 [Print] United States
• PMID: 20594480 (Publication Type: Journal Article)