MR digital subtraction angiography in the diagnosis of meningiomas.

OBJECTIVE

MR digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a technique for demonstrating the vasculature combining a rapid two-dimensional T1-weighted sequence with a bolus injection of gadolinium. We attempted to determine its contribution to the diagnosis of intracranial meningiomas.

METHODS AND PATIENTS: MR DSA was performed in 18 patients with meningioma as well as in 28 patients with other tumors. The findings were analyzed regarding demonstration of tumor stain and tumor-related vessels.

RESULTS

All meningiomas except one were visualized as a homogeneous and intense stain. Feeding arteries were visualized in 2 patients, and draining or abnormal veins in three. In 21 of the 28 patients with other tumors, tumor stains of varying degrees were demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

MR DSA can serve as an adjunct to routine MR imaging, because it enables assessment of the hemodynamics of meningiomas and facilitates its differential diagnosis from other tumors.