1
|
Cao Y, Sun Y, Yi Z, Meng W, Zhao X, Feng X, Feng P, Wang S, Zhang M, Zhou L. Assessment of central nervous system vasculitis in children based on high-resolution vascular wall imaging. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2024; 8:rkae038. [PMID: 38605731 PMCID: PMC11009033 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Central nervous system vasculitis (CNSV) is a rare disease. High-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) enables the identification of inflammatory changes within the vessel wall. Few studies have applied HR-VWI to assess CNSV in children. This study delves into the utility of HR-VWI for diagnosing and treating CNSV in children, with the aim of enhancing clinical diagnosis and efficacy evaluation. Methods Imaging data were acquired from children who underwent HR-VWI examinations. The study meticulously analysed clinical data and laboratory tests to discern the characteristics and distribution patterns of diverse vasculitis forms. Results In children, CNSV mainly involves medium vessels with grade 1 and 2 stenosis (grade 4 stenosis is rare), and the imaging features generally show centripetal and moderate enhancement, suggesting that this feature is specific for the diagnosis of CNSV. High-grade stenosis, concentric enhancement and strong enhancement of the vasculature indicate more severe disease activity. Remarkably, HR-VWI proved to be significantly more sensitive than magnetic resonance angiography in detecting CNSV. Among the 13 cases subjected to imaging review, 8 demonstrated a reduction or resolution of vessel wall inflammation. In contrast, five patients exhibited worsening inflammation in the vessel wall. HR-VWI demonstrated that changes in vessel wall inflammation were closely correlated with changes in brain parenchymal lesions and symptoms. Conclusion This study underscores the diagnostic value of HR-VWI in CNSV assessment and treatment monitoring, offering a quantitative evaluation of CNSV in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Cao
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zexi Yi
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Weixin Meng
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xueying Zhao
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xuran Feng
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Pingyong Feng
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Sicong Wang
- GE Healthcare, MR Research China, Beijing, China
| | - Mingfeng Zhang
- Rheumatology and Immunology Department, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lixia Zhou
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sarkar S. A desirable advancement but not without concern for black blood sequences: vessel wall imaging may not be blindly done. Eur Radiol 2024:10.1007/s00330-024-10608-8. [PMID: 38285104 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-024-10608-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Subhendra Sarkar
- Department of Radiologic Technology & Medical Imaging, New York City College of Technology, City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gupta N, Hiremath SB, Aviv RI, Wilson N. Childhood Cerebral Vasculitis : A Multidisciplinary Approach. Clin Neuroradiol 2023; 33:5-20. [PMID: 35750917 PMCID: PMC9244086 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-022-01185-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral vasculitis is increasingly recognized as a common cause of pediatric arterial stroke. It can present with focal neurological deficits, psychiatric manifestations, seizures, and encephalopathy. The etiopathogenesis of childhood cerebral vasculitis (CCV) is multifactorial, making an inclusive classification challenging. In this review, we describe the common and uncommon CCV with a comprehensive discussion of etiopathogenesis, the role of various imaging modalities, and advanced techniques in diagnosing CCV. We also highlight the implications of relevant clinical, laboratory, and genetic findings to reach the final diagnosis. Based on the clinicoradiological findings, a stepwise diagnostic approach is proposed to facilitate CCV diagnosis and rule out potential mimics. Identification of key clinical manifestations, pertinent blood and cerebrospinal fluid results, and evaluation of central nervous system vessels for common and disease-specific findings will be emphasized. We discuss the role of magnetic resonance imaging, MR angiography, and vessel wall imaging as the imaging investigation of choice, and reservation of catheter angiography as a problem-solving tool. We emphasize the utility of brain and leptomeningeal biopsy for diagnosis and exclusion of imitators and masqueraders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neetika Gupta
- Department of Medical Imaging, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
- Clinical Fellow—Pediatric Radiology, Department of Medical Imaging, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
| | - Shivaprakash B. Hiremath
- Department of Medical Imaging, Division of Neuroradiology, Civic and General Campus, University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Richard I. Aviv
- Department of Medical Imaging, Division of Neuroradiology, Civic and General Campus, University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
| | - Nagwa Wilson
- Department of Medical Imaging, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tachikawa Y, Hamano H, Yoshikai H, Ikeda K, Maki Y, Hirata K, Takahashi Y, Matake K. Three-dimensional multicontrast blood imaging with a single acquisition: Simultaneous non-contrast-enhanced MRA and vessel wall imaging in the thoracic aorta. Magn Reson Med 2022; 88:617-632. [PMID: 35436368 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate MRA and vessel wall imaging (VWI) image quality in the thoracic aorta using a novel method named BRIDGE (bright and dark blood images with multishot gradient-echo EPI). METHODS The BRIDGE method consists of 3D multishot gradient-echo EPI acquisition using pulse gating, navigator gating, and magnetization preparation with a T2 -preparation pulse and a nonselective inversion-recovery pulse. The BRIDGE and conventional methods (noncontrast MRA based on 3D turbo-field-echo [TFE] and VWI based on 3D turbo spin echo with variable refocusing flip angle [VRFA-TSE]) were performed in 10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients. The SNR, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and sharpness in the thoracic aorta were compared for MRA evaluation. The values of SNRlumen , SNRwall , CNRwall-lumen , contrast ratio (CR)lumen-muscle , coefficient of variation, sharpness, lumen area, and wall area in the thoracic aorta were compared for VWI evaluation. Two radiologists independently performed qualitative image-analysis assessments. RESULTS When MRA and VWI were acquired, the acquisition time was 26.6% to 27.8% shorter with BRIDGE than the conventional method. In the MRA evaluation, BRIDGE and TFE methods were comparable. In the VWI evaluation, BRIDGE was superior to the VRFA-TSE method in blood suppression and evaluation of the ascending aorta. Because the blood signal suppression of BRIDGE is based on the T1 value of blood, the blood signal can be suppressed more uniformly than with the VRFA-TSE method, regardless of age, blood flow velocity, or vascular anatomy. CONCLUSION The BRIDGE method can provide both MRA, to assess vascular anatomy and luminal changes, and VWI, to assess the vessel wall and detect vulnerable plaques, in a single scan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Tachikawa
- Division of Radiological Technology, Department of Medical Technology, Karatsu Red Cross Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | | | - Hikaru Yoshikai
- Division of Radiological Technology, Department of Medical Technology, Karatsu Red Cross Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | - Kento Ikeda
- Division of Radiological Technology, Department of Medical Technology, Karatsu Red Cross Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | - Yasunori Maki
- Division of Radiological Technology, Department of Medical Technology, Karatsu Red Cross Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Hirata
- Division of Radiological Technology, Department of Medical Technology, Karatsu Red Cross Hospital, Saga, Japan
| | | | - Kunishige Matake
- Department of Radiology, Karatsu Red Cross Hospital, Saga, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu CH, Chung CP, Chen TY, Yu KW, Lin TM, Tai WA, Luo CB, Chang FC. Influence of angioplasty and stenting on intracranial artery stenosis: preliminary results of high-resolution vessel wall imaging evaluation. Eur Radiol 2022; 32:6788-6799. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-09010-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
6
|
Wu Y, Li F, Wang Y, Hu T, Gao H. Standard-Dose Atorvastatin Treatment in Patients With Symptomatic Middle Cerebral Artery Atherosclerotic Stenosis: A Vessel Wall Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Front Neurol 2021; 12:693397. [PMID: 34956036 PMCID: PMC8693378 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.693397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Ischemic stroke can be caused by atherosclerotic lesions of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Some studies have described the effects of statin treatment on carotid artery plaques, but little is known about the effects of statin treatment on MCA plaques. The purpose of this study was to validate the efficacy of standard-dose atorvastatin (20 mg/day) in patients with symptomatic MCA atherosclerotic stenosis (SMAS) in northern China. Materials and Methods: This study is a prospective, single-arm, single-center, 12-month follow-up observational study monitoring imaging, and clinical outcomes of standard-dose atorvastatin treatment among patients with SMAS. The primary outcomes were changes in vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VWMRI) and serum lipid profiles before and after (1, 3, 6, and 12 months) statin treatment. Results: A total of 46 patients were recruited for this study, and 24 patients completed the follow-up. During the follow-up period, serum non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations gradually decreased in the patients. Fourteen patients (54.33%) had a reversal of MCA plaques and 10 patients (41.67%) had no significant progression of MCA plaques and remained stable at the follow-up endpoint. At the 12 months follow-up time-point, the treatment did not reverse vascular remodeling or change the shape and distribution of plaques. Altered serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations in patients were strongly associated with plaque reversal. Conclusion: Vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging could accurately characterize changes in MCA plaques after lipid-lowering therapy. Standard-dose atorvastatin treatment could stabilize and reverse plaques in northern Chinese patients with SMAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yejun Wu
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fangbing Li
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yilin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianxiang Hu
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Honghua Gao
- Department of Neurology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To give an overview regarding the potential usefulness of vessel wall imaging (VWI) in distinguishing various intracranial vascular diseases, their common imaging features, and potential pitfalls. RECENT FINDINGS VWI provides direct visualization of the vessel wall and allows the discrimination of different diseases such as vasculitis, atherosclerosis, dissection, Moyamoya disease, and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Recent studies showed that concentric and eccentric involvement in the vessel wall, as well as the enhancement pattern were found important for the distinguishing these diseases and evaluating their activity. SUMMARY Most of the imaging techniques currently used are based on luminal imaging. However, these imaging methods are not adequate to distinguish different diseases that can demonstrate similar radiological findings. VWI is being increasingly used as a noninvasive imaging method to offset this limitation.
Collapse
|
8
|
Diagnosis and follow-up evaluation of central nervous system vasculitis: an evaluation of vessel-wall MRI findings. J Neurol 2021; 269:982-996. [PMID: 34236502 PMCID: PMC8264821 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10683-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective To approach the clinical value of MRI with vessel wall imaging (VWI) in patients with central nervous system vasculitis (CNSV), we analyzed patterns of VWI findings both at the time of initial presentation and during follow-up. Methods Stenoocclusive lesions, vessel-wall contrast enhancement (VW-CE) and diffusion-restricted lesions were analyzed in patients with a diagnosis of CNSV. On available VWI follow-up, progression, regression or stability of VW-CE were evaluated and correlated with the clinical status. Results Of the 45 patients included, 28 exhibited stenoses visible on MR angiography (MRA-positive) while 17 had no stenosis (MRA-negative). VW-CE was found in 2/17 MRA-negative and all MRA-positive patients (p < 0.05). 79.1% (53/67) of stenoses showed VW-CE. VW-CE was concentric in 88.3% and eccentric in 11.7% of cases. Diffusion-restricted lesions were found more frequently in relation to stenoses with VW-CE than without VW-CE (p < 0.05). 48 VW-CE lesions in 23 patients were followed over a median time of 239.5 days. 13 VW-CE lesions (27.1%) resolved completely, 14 (29.2%) showed partial regression, 17 (35.4%) remained stable and 4 (8.3%) progressed. 22/23 patients received immunosuppressive therapy for the duration of follow-up. Patients with stable or progressive VW-CE were more likely (p < 0.05) to have a relapse (14/30 cases) than patients with partial or complete regression of VW-CE (5/25 cases). Conclusion Concentric VW-CE is a common finding in medium/large-sized vessel CNSV. VW-CE might represent active inflammation in certain situations. However, follow-up VWI findings proved ambiguous as persisting VW-CE despite immunosuppressive therapy and clinical remission was a frequent finding. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-021-10683-7.
Collapse
|
9
|
Lindenholz A, de Bresser J, van der Kolk AG, van der Worp HB, Witkamp TD, Hendrikse J, van der Schaaf IC. Intracranial Atherosclerotic Burden and Cerebral Parenchymal Changes at 7T MRI in Patients With Transient Ischemic Attack or Ischemic Stroke. Front Neurol 2021; 12:637556. [PMID: 34025551 PMCID: PMC8134532 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.637556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The relevance of intracranial vessel wall lesions detected with MRI is not fully established. In this study (trial identification number: NTR2119; www.trialregister.nl), 7T MRI was used to investigate if a higher vessel wall lesion burden is associated with more cerebral parenchymal changes in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). MR images of 82 patients were assessed for the number of vessel wall lesions of the large intracranial arteries and for cerebral parenchymal changes, including the presence and number of cortical, small subcortical, and deep gray matter infarcts; lacunes of presumed vascular origin; cortical microinfarcts; and periventricular and deep white matter hyperintensities (WMHs). Regression analyses showed that a higher vessel wall lesion burden was associated with the presence of small subcortical infarcts, lacunes of presumed vascular origin, and deep gray matter infarcts (relative risk 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03–1.35) and presence of moderate-to-severe periventricular WMHs (1.21; 95% CI, 1.03–1.42), which are all manifestations of small vessel disease (SVD). The burden of enhancing vessel wall lesions was associated with the number of cortical microinfarcts only (1.48; 95% CI, 1.04–2.11). These results suggest an interrelationship between large vessel wall lesion burden and cerebral parenchymal manifestations often linked to SVD or, alternatively, that vascular changes occur in both large and small intracranial arteries simultaneously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arjen Lindenholz
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen de Bresser
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anja G van der Kolk
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - H Bart van der Worp
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Theodoor D Witkamp
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Hendrikse
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a crucial tool for evaluation of the skull base, enabling characterization of complex anatomy by utilizing multiple image contrasts. Recent technical MR advances have greatly enhanced radiologists' capability to diagnose skull base pathology and help direct management. In this paper, we will summarize cutting-edge clinical and emerging research MR techniques for the skull base, including high-resolution, phase-contrast, diffusion, perfusion, vascular, zero echo-time, elastography, spectroscopy, chemical exchange saturation transfer, PET/MR, ultra-high-field, and 3D visualization. For each imaging technique, we provide a high-level summary of underlying technical principles accompanied by relevant literature review and clinical imaging examples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia F Kirsch
- Division Chief, Neuroradiology, Professor of Neuroradiology and Otolaryngology, Department of Radiology, Northwell Health, Zucker Hofstra School of Medicine at Northwell, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY
| | - Mai-Lan Ho
- Associate Professor of Radiology, Director of Research, Department of Radiology, Director, Advanced Neuroimaging Core, Chair, Asian Pacific American Network, Secretary, Association for Staff and Faculty Women, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; Division Chief, Neuroradiology, Professor of Neuroradiology and Otolaryngology, Department of Radiology, Northwell Health, Zucker Hofstra School of Medicine at Northwell, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Song JW, Moon BF, Burke MP, Kamesh Iyer S, Elliott MA, Shou H, Messé SR, Kasner SE, Loevner LA, Schnall MD, Kirsch JE, Witschey WR, Fan Z. MR Intracranial Vessel Wall Imaging: A Systematic Review. J Neuroimaging 2020; 30:428-442. [PMID: 32391979 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this systematic review is to identify trends and extent of variability in intracranial vessel wall MR imaging (VWI) techniques and protocols. Although variability in selection of protocol design and pulse sequence type is known, data on what and how protocols vary are unknown. Three databases were searched to identify publications using intracranial VWI. Publications were screened by predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Technical development publications were scored for completeness of reporting using a modified Nature Reporting Summary Guideline to assess reproducibility. From 2,431 articles, 122 met the inclusion criteria. Trends over the last 23 years (1995-2018) show increased use of 3-Tesla MR (P < .001) and 3D volumetric T1-weighted acquisitions (P < .001). Most (65%) clinical VWI publications report achieving a noninterpolated in-plane spatial resolution of ≤.55 mm. In the last decade, an increasing number of technical development (n = 20) and 7 Tesla (n = 12) publications have been published, focused on pulse sequence development, improving cerebrospinal fluid suppression, scan efficiency, and imaging ex vivo specimen for histologic validation. Mean Reporting Summary Score for the technical development publications was high (.87, range: .63-1.0) indicating strong scientific technical reproducibility. Innovative work continues to emerge to address implementation challenges. Gradual adoption into the research and scientific community was suggested by a shift in the name in the literature from "high-resolution MR" to "vessel wall imaging," specifying diagnostic intent. Insight into current practices and identifying the extent of technical variability in the literature will help to direct future clinical and technical efforts to address needs for implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae W Song
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Brianna F Moon
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Morgan P Burke
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Mark A Elliott
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Haochang Shou
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Steven R Messé
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Scott E Kasner
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Laurie A Loevner
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - John E Kirsch
- Athinoula A Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
| | - Walter R Witschey
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Zhaoyang Fan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Leao DJ, Agarwal A, Mohan S, Bathla G. Intracranial vessel wall imaging: applications, interpretation, and pitfalls. Clin Radiol 2020; 75:730-739. [PMID: 32197916 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Vessel wall imaging (VWI) is being increasingly used as a non-invasive diagnostic method to evaluate the intra- and extracranial vascular bed. Whereas conventional vascular imaging primarily assesses the vessel lumen, VWI changes the focus of analysis toward the vessel wall. As the technical challenges of high spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio and long scans times are addressed, interest in the clinical applications of this technique has steadily increased over the years. In this review, the authors will discuss the various applications of VWI as well as principles of interpretation and common imaging findings, focusing on intracranial atherosclerosis, vascular dissection, vasculitides (such as primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) and neurosarcoidosis), vasculopathies (such as reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), cocaine-induced vasculopathy, moyamoya disease, and radiation-induced arteriopathy), aneurysms, and post-thrombectomy changes. The authors will also discuss the potential pitfalls of VWI and helpful cues to avoid being tricked.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D J Leao
- Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Amazonas, 1996 - Jardim Umuarama, Uberlandia, MG, 38405-302, Brazil.
| | - A Agarwal
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Neuroradiology Division, 5200 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - S Mohan
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Radiology, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - G Bathla
- University of Iowa, Hospitals and Clinics, Radiology, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| |
Collapse
|