Haemodynamic evaluation of cerebral arteriovenous malformations by quantification of transit time using high speed digital subtraction angiography: basic considerations

It is important to evaluate the haemodynamics of cerebral arteriovenous mal formations (AVMs) in order to predict and avoid complications following sur gical intervention. This study measured the transit time of each component of AVMs by high-speed digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to understand t he haemodynamics and to evaluate which parameter is an appropriate indicato r for the monitoring. Eleven cases of cerebral AVMs were studied. Haemodyna mics were evaluated by analysis of tracer transit using DSA. Tracer transit parameters including transit time and peak time were calculated by applica tion of gamma fitting to time density curve, and measured in the following compartments; feeding artery, nidus and draining vein. Significant correlat ions of tracer transit parameters were present among compartments. Although there was no significant correlation of nidus volume and tracer transit pa rameters, the peak time was shorter in haemorrhage cases than in non-haemor rhage cases. Measurements of tracer transit parameters by high-speed DSA ma y be a useful tool for characterising and monitoring the haemodynamics of A VMs following surgical intervention. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.