DIAGNOSIS BY MRA OF A DURAL ARTERIOVENOUS -FISTULA AFTER SINUS THROMBOSIS

We report a case in which MRA made it possible to diagnose a dural art eriovenous fistula and thrombophlebitis in a 23-year old woman. 2D TOF MRA is the usual technique in the diagnosis of thrombophlebitis. Our experience shows the limits of 2D TOF since the increased signal inten sity in the sinus could simulate a normal flow, and we describe the ad vantages of MR subtraction angiography. In our study, 3D TOF MRA showe d the dural arteriovenous fistula, its location near the right tranver se sinus and some of the feeding vessels: tentorial branch of the inte rnal carotid artery and meningeal branch of the right occipital artery . 3D TOF MRA provides the diagnosis of dural arteriovenous fistula, bu t it cannot replace the plain angiography performed before endovascula r or surgical treatment.