Magnetic resonance angiography of the cervical and superior mediastinal veins
Tebboune, D.; Laissy, J.P.; Henry-Feugeas, M.C.; Cinqualbre, A.; Loshkajian, A.; Schouman-Claeys, E.
Journal de Radiologie 77(5): 351-356
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0221-0363 PMID: 8762933 Document Number: 456573
To evaluate magnetic resonance venography (MRV) in the detection of cervical/mediastinal venous thrombosis (CMVT). MR venograms were performed in 20 patients suspected for CMVT. 2D-TOF MR venography was used for all studies. MR and conventional venographic/surgical data were collected prospectively and analyzed in a blinded manner comparatively to other corroborative studies: venography (n = 8), color-Doppler studies (n = 15), CT (n = 12), and/or surgery (n = 6). MRV was 100% sensitive and 100% specific in the diagnosis of venous thrombosis (VT) of the cervical/mediastinal veins, present in fourteen patients, and 93% accurate in grading the extension of CMVT. MR images showed a greater number of collateral vessels than detected by contrast venography in case of complete cervical/mediastinal venous thrombosis. The positive diagnosis and extent of CMVT can be accurately diagnosed by a non-invasive method such as MRV.