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      Accuracy of SWI sequences compared to T2*-weighted gradient echo sequences in the detection of cerebral cavernous malformations in the familial form

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          Abstract

          Purpose

          The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), compared with T2*-weighted gradient echo (GRE) imaging in assessing cerebral cavernous malformations.

          Materials and methods

          We retrospectively evaluated 21 patients with a familial form of cavernous malformation. Magnetic resonance (MR) protocol included non-enhanced and contrast-enhanced fast-spin echo (FSE) T1-weighted sequences, FSE T2-weighted sequences, fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR), GRE T2*-weighted and SWI sequences. Images were reviewed in consensus by two expert neuroradiologists to assess the location, number, size and conspicuity of the lesions on T2*-weighted GRE and SWI sequences. Statistical differences in the number, size and conspicuity of the lesions seen on the SWI images and the T2*-weighted GRE images were assessed with the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test.

          Results

          The number of cavernous malformations was significantly higher ( p < .001) on the SWI images ( n = 152) than on T2*-weighted GRE images ( n = 56). Lesion size was significantly higher ( p < .001) on SWI images (mean: 0.4 cm, SD ± 0.55) than on T2*-weighted GRE sequences (mean: 0.2 cm, SD ± 0.51) and the differences were statistically significant ( p < .001). Lesion conspicuity was significant higher ( p < .001) on SWI than on T2*-weighted GRE images. In one patient who underwent a 2-month follow-up for the onset of neurologic symptoms related to cerebral hemorrhage, a cerebral hematoma was identified at the site of a cerebral cavernous malformation that was demonstrated only on the SWI images in the previous MR examination.

          Conclusions

          The SWI sequence, being more sensitive to substances which distort the local magnetic field than the GRE T2*W sequence, showed a higher sensitivity in identifying cerebral cavernous malformations. Thus, routine clinical neuroimaging protocol should contain SWI sequences to evaluate patients with (or suspected) cerebral cavernous malformations.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          Neuroradiol J
          Neuroradiol J
          NEU
          spneu
          The Neuroradiology Journal
          SAGE Publications (Sage UK: London, England )
          1971-4009
          2385-1996
          22 August 2016
          October 2016
          : 29
          : 5
          : 326-335
          Affiliations
          [1-1971400916665376]Department of Radiology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
          Author notes
          [*]Gianvincenzo Sparacia, Department of Radiology, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro, 127, 90127, Palermo, Italy. Email: sparacia@ 123456yahoo.com
          Article
          PMC5033099 PMC5033099 5033099 10.1177_1971400916665376
          10.1177/1971400916665376
          5033099
          27549150
          aa5354a2-725a-4aa7-968e-660d71f5dee5
          © The Author(s) 2016
          History
          Categories
          Cerebrovascular Diseases

          T2*-weighted gradient echo sequence,Cerebral cavernous malformation,diagnosis,imaging,susceptibility-weighted imaging

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