A comparative analysis on imaging of cerebral arteriovenous malformation

Objective To probe manifestations of cerebral arteriovenous malformation in imaging of CT, MRI, CTA, MRA, DSA, a comparative analysis was conducted as well. Methods Data were from 75 patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformation. By referring to surgical pathology exams and DSA as a gold standard, manifestations of imaging by CT, MRI, CTA, MRA, and DSA were compared. Results The sensitivity for diagnosing cerebral arteriovenous malformation was 83.9% for CT and 96% for MR, respectively. CT images showed mass, honeycomb, nodules, and strands, and MR displayed flow-void signals resembling earthworm or strand. CT is more sensitive than MR in finding out calcification and ultra-early bleeding, and MR is superior in grading the haematoma. CTA, MRA and DSA are able to show carcinoma nest, inlet artery and outlet artery. CTA and MRA had a poorer resolution than DSA. DSA was inferior in showing inner structure to CTA and MRA. Manifestations of images are able to reflect the general pathological structure of cerebral arteriovenous malformation. Conclusion The different image means vary in value for diagnosing cerebral arteriovenous malformation, a combined use of them can achieve the goal for qualitatively diagnosing cerebral arteriovenous malformation.