MRI AND MRA FOR DIAGNOSIS AND FOLLOW-UP OF CEREBRAL VENOUS THROMBOSIS(CVT)

Objective: To assess the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MR I) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in the diagnosis and the f ollow-up of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). To describe MRI and MRA features in CVT. Material and methods: The clinical and neuroradiologi cal studies of 20 patients with proven CVT were reviewed, All patients underwent computed tomography (CT), MRI (with MRA for 15 patients) an d digital substraction angiography (DSA). Eleven patients had follow-u p after treatment with MRI (nine with MRA), Results: MRI and MRA toget her provided the diagnosis of CVT in all cases, The sensitivity of MRI alone was 90%. MRA showed abnormalities in all cases of CVT, Progress ive sinus recanalization was demonstrated by follow-up with MRI and MR A at least 15 days after diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: In most of cases, the combination of MRI and MRA is sufficient to allow diagno sis of CVT and obviates the need for invasive angiography. MR studies are also useful for the follow-up of CVT.