Identification and anatomic description of the anterior choroidal artery by use of 3D-TOF source and 3D-CISS MR imaging.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The importance of the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) is related to its supply of crucial anatomic structures, such as the internal capsule. Angiographically, the AChA can be detected in 71% to 98% of patients, but as yet, its visibility on MR images has not been evaluated. Our goal was to assess the sensitivity of MR imaging in the identification of the AChA and its anatomic characteristics.

METHODS

Twenty volunteers underwent MR imaging with a 3D time-of-flight (3D-TOF) sequence, 10 of them additionally with a 3D Fourier transformation constructive interference in steady state (3D-CISS) sequence. The MR angiographic source images and the 3D-CISS images were analyzed independently by two neuroradiologists, who evaluated the ability to identify the different segments of the AChA and the posterior communicating artery (PComA) according to a previously defined scoring system (0 = not identified, 1 = most probably identified, 2 = identified with certainty). Additionally, three patients were examined who had an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) supplied by the AChA.

RESULTS

In the volunteers, the PComA was identified with certainty in 87.5% on 3D-TOF sequences and in 95% on 3D-CISS sequences; the AChA was identified with certainty in 92.5% on 3D-TOF sequences and in 90% on 3D-CISS sequences. 3D-CISS images showed additional anatomic information in six of 20 vessels. In the three patients, the enlarged AChA was identified with certainty on both imaging sequences.

CONCLUSION

The AChA can be reliably identified using both 3D-CISS sequences and the source images of the 3D-TOF sequence. MR imaging can be used to assess and follow-up AChA-related disorders, especially AVMs.