Schlamann M, Maderwald S, Becker W, Kraff O, Theysohn JM, Mueller O, Sure U, Wanke I, Ladd ME, Forsting M, Schaefer L, Gizewski ER. Cerebral cavernous hemangiomas at 7 Tesla: initial experience.
Acad Radiol 2010;
17:3-6. [PMID:
19910215 DOI:
10.1016/j.acra.2009.10.001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2009] [Revised: 09/23/2009] [Accepted: 10/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES
Cavernous malformations (cavernomas) occur in 0.4%-0.9% of the population. The most common symptoms of cavernous malformations are seizures. An improved detection of small cavernomas might possibly help to clarify cryptogenic seizures, which represent 30% of all seizures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of magnetic resonance imaging at a field strength of 7 T in the detection of cavernomas.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ten consecutive patients with known cavernomas were enrolled in this study. First a T2*-weighted gradient echo sequence was performed at 1.5 T with a slice thickness of 6 mm in axial orientation. Subsequently, the examination was repeated at 7 T. Both examinations were independently read by two blinded senior neuroradiologists. Localization and dimension of the hypointensities were recorded.
RESULTS
One additional hypointensity was detected in one patient, which was not visible in the 1.5 T examination even retrospectively. In another patient with known cavernomatosis, innumerable new small hypointense lesions were detected at 7 T.
CONCLUSION
Our small series suggests that ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging at 7 T improves the detection of cavernomas.
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