Fast contrast-enhanced MR whole-brain venography

Our aim was to assess the value of a new fast contrast-enhanced MR venography (CE-MRV) sequence in the investigation of normal and diseased cerebral veins. Conventional time-of-flight (TOF) MRV is time consuming, with imaging for a single sequence taking many minutes. MRI was performed with a clinical 1.5-T scanner; conventional TOF MRV followed by CE-MRV was performed using a modified 3D first-pass MR angiography sequence. Ten control subjects without cerebral pathology were studied as well as ten patients with cerebral venous thrombosis for a total of 20 studies with both sequences. CE-MRV was able to provide a set of complete MRV images in a significantly shorter time than conventional MRV sequencing could. The field of view also provided greater coverage of the vessels of the head and neck. CE-MRV also provided more extensive small vein detail and provided a better demonstration of intraluminal defects, despite a slightly lower resolution. Both methods were equally suited for the demonstration of venous thrombosis and demonstrated all cases equally well; however, CE-MRV provided more detailed information by showing partially obstructed sinuses and by showing better the presence of cortical collateral venous drainage. (orig.)