INTRACRANIAL ANEURYSMS - DIAGNOSTIC-ACCURACY OF MR-ANGIOGRAPHY WITH EVALUATION OF MAXIMUM INTENSITY PROJECTION AND SOURCE IMAGES

PURPOSE: To determine whether evaluation of source images from magneti c resonance (MR) angiography in addition to maximum-intensity projecti on (MIP) images improves the detection of aneurysms. MATERIALS AND MET HODS: Conventional and MR angiography were performed in 193 patients w ith various intracranial vascular lesions or normal findings. Images w ere evaluated in a blinded manner. Two readings were performed 6 weeks apart by evaluating MIP images with and without source images. Result s were evaluated with receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESU LTS: Sensitivity for the detection of aneurysms increased slightly whe n source images were included. The detection rate of internal carotid artery aneurysms was most improved with the addition of source images. No statistically significant differences in performance were found be tween the readings with MIP images alone and with source images. CONCL USION: Sensitivity may improve with combined reading of nonselective M IP and source images.