Follow-up of Intracranial Aneurysms Treated with Coils: The Feasibility and Usefulness of Gadolinium-enhanced 3D MR Angiography

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and usefulness of Gadolinium-enhanced three dimensional magnetic resonance angiography (GE MR angiography) performed at 1.5T for the follow-up of coil-treated intracranial aneurysms, compared with 3D time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography. Materials and Methods: In a prospective study, 4 patients with 4 intracranial aneurysms treated with coils underwent GE MR angiography and 3D TOF MR angiography at 1.5T on the same day at a mean follow-up of 6 months (range, 3-11 months) after coil placement. Results: Visualization of the surrounding vessel systems after coil placement was better with GE MR angiography than with 3D TOF MR angiography. In Case 3, GE MR angiography was useful to evaluate the residual neck and recanalization after treating the intracranial aneurysms which, were demonstrated with 3D digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Conclusion: GE MR angiography is feasible and useful in the follow-up of patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with coil placement.