Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this study was to examine the frequency of high signal intensity
in the dural sinuses of normal subjects upon magnetic resonance (MR) angiography using
3.0-T scanners.
Methods
A total of 748 consecutive healthy subjects underwent three-dimensional time-of-flight
MR angiography at 3.0 T. Sixteen subjects were excluded. MR angiographic source images
were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of high signal intensity in the inferior
petrosal sinus, pterygoid sinus, or sigmoid sinus.
Results
Of the 732 examinations, 10 (1.3%) showed high signal intensity in the dural sinuses
(left inferior petrosal sinus, n=4; left pterygoid sinus, n=3; left sigmoid sinus, n=6). High signal intensity in the dural sinuses was observed only on the left side.
The minimum diameter of the left brachiocephalic vein was significantly smaller in
subjects with high signal intensity than in the control group.
Conclusion
In our study with healthy subjects at 3.0 T, the frequency of high signal intensity
in the dural sinuses is as low as 1.3%. Retrograde flow due to physiological stenosis
of the left brachiocephalic vein may be one of the causes of this phenomenon.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 05, 2010
Accepted:
June 30,
2009
Received:
May 1,
2009
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
