MAGNETIC-RESONANCE VENOGRAPHY OF CERVICAL MEDIASTINAL VEINS/

Purpose : To evaluate magnetic resonance venography (MRV) in the detec tion of cervical/mediastinal venous thrombosis (CMVT). Methods: MR ven ograms were performed in 20 patients suspected for CMVT. 2D-TOF MR ven ography was used for all studies. MR and conventional venographic/surg ical data were collected prospectively and analyzed in a blinded manne r comparatively to other corroborative studies: venography (n = 8), co lor-Doppler studies (n = 15), CT (n = 12), and/or surgery (n = 6). Res ults: MRV was 100% sensitive and 100% specific in the diagnosis of ven ous thrombosis (VT) of the cervical/mediastinal veins, present in four teen patients, and 93% accurate in grading the extension of CMVT. MR i mages showed a greater number of collateral vessels than detected by c ontrast venography in case of complete cervical/mediastinal venous thr ombosis. Conclusion: The positive diagnosis and extent of GMVT can be accurately diagnosed by a non-invasive method such as MRV.