Usefulness of 3D TOF MR angiography using MTC and TONE in the follow-up of Moyamoya disease after cerebrovascular reconstruction

We studied patients with Moyamoya disease with or without indirect cerebrovascular reconstruction by means of 3D time-of-flight MR Angiography (3D TOF MRA) using MTC (magnetization transfer contrast) and TONE (tilted optimized non-saturating excitation). Twelve patients (6 males and 6 females, 6 children and 6 adults) with Moyamoya disease were investigated. Indirect cerebrovascular reconstruction (EDAS or EMAS) had been performed in 17 cerebral hemispheres of 12 patients. Imaging was performed on a 1.5T unit (Magnetom Vision, Siemens, Germany) using parameters as follows: TR/TE=39/7.0 msec, flip angle (mean) =20 degrees, slab thickness=70 mm, partitions=70, matrix=192 x 512, FOV=23O x 230 mm. In conclusion, 3D TOF MRA thus obtained was useful for depictions of steno-occlusive changes and also the development of collateral blood vessels after indirect vascular reconstruction. In addition, both the degree of development and distribution of Moyamoya vessels were clearly depicted on the MRA source images. We believe that 3D TOF MRA, using MTC and TONE, can be a substitute for invasive cerebral angiography for follow-up patients with Moyamoya disease. (author)