The application of Silenz MR angiography in the follow-up assessment of intracranial aneurysms embolization

Abstract

Objectives To explore the value of Silenz MRA in the follow-up assessment of intracranial aneurysms embolization. Methods Fifteen patients underwent coiled embolization were prospectively collected. Silenz and time of flight MRA (TOF MRA) were performed on the same day as DSA examination. Two neuro-radiologists scored the structures of peripheral vascular with a 4-score grading system and evaluate embolism status (two-grade montreal scale). The scores of vascular structures were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Weighted Kappa statistics was used to assess the inter-observer agreement on each MRA scoring, the inter-modality agreement between MRA and DSA, the inter-modality agreement between the MRA methods. Results There were 11 cases with complete occlusion, 4 cases with residual aneurysm revealed by DSA. For depiction, Silenz MRA was significantly better than TOF MRA [(3.50±0.62) vs. (3.00±0.63), Z=-3.12, P=0.002]. Inter-modality agreement of Silenz MRA and DSA was excellent (Kappa=0.82), while the agreement of TOF MRA and DSA was moderate(Kappa=0.60). Inter-modality agreement between Silenz MRA and TOF MRA was good (Kappa=0.76). Conclusions Silenz MRA is superior to TOF MRA for depiction of vascular structures and evaluation of embolism status, which is highly related with DSA. It has the value in the postoperative follow-up evaluation. Key words: Magnetic resonance angiography; Intracranial aneurysm; Embolization, therapeutic; Comparative study