The role of contrast- enhanced MRV in preoperative assessment of parasagittal meningiomas and sinusconfluence meningiomas

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to find whether contrast - enhanced magnetic resonance venography (CEMRV) is a good method for preoperative assessment of parasagittal meningiomas and sinus confluence meningiomas.Methods Thirty -five consecutive parasagittal meningiomas and sinus confluence meningiomas patients underwent surgery in eight months in our ward. All patients underwent CEMRV to define the degree of involvement of the sagittal sinus and depict collateral veins,and some patients also underwent TOFMRV or DSA.Results The CEMRV and DSA showed that sagittal sinus and sinus confluence were completely or partially patent in 25 patients and occluded in 10 patients,which were confirmed by the operations.The images of collateral venous and dural sinus were clearer in CEMRV and DSA than in TOF MRV. The numbers of collateral venous were more accurate in CEMRV than in TOFMRV.Conclusion CEMRV can well define the degree of involvement of the sagittal sinus and depict collateral veins,which make it a good choice for preoperative assessment of parasagittal meningiomas and sinus confluence meningiomas. Key words: Contrast- enhanced magnetic resonance venography; Sagittal sinus; Sinus confluence ; Meningioma ; Preoperative evaluation