Pointwise Encoding Time Reduction with Radial Acquisition with Subtraction-Based MRA during the Follow-Up of Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization of Anterior Circulation Aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Time-of-flight MR angiography, though widely used after coil embolization, is associated with limitations owing to magnetic susceptibility and radiofrequency shielding following stent-assisted coil embolization. We evaluated the pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) sequence in subtraction-based MRA (qMRA) using an ultrashort TE relative to TOF-MRA during the follow-up of stent-assisted coil embolization for anterior circulation aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (3 men and 22 women; mean age, 59.1 ± 14.0 years) underwent stent-assisted coil embolization for anterior circulation aneurysms and were retrospectively evaluated using TOF-MRA and PETRA qMRA data from the same follow-up session. Two neuroradiologists independently reviewed both MRA findings and subjectively graded flow within the stents (relative to the latest DSA findings) and occlusion status (complete occlusion or neck/aneurysm remnant). Interobserver and intermodality agreement for TOF-MRA and PETRA qMRA were evaluated.

RESULTS: The mean score for flow visualization within the stents was significantly higher in PETRA qMRA than in TOF-MRA (P < .001 for both observers), and good interobserver agreement was reported (κ = 0.63). The aneurysm occlusion status of PETRA qMRA (observer 1, 92.0%; observer 2, 88.0%) was more consistent with DSA than with TOF-MRA (observer 1, 76.0%; observer 2, 80.0%), and there was a better intermodality agreement between DSA and PETRA qMRA than between DSA and TOF-MRA.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that PETRA qMRA is a useful follow-up technique for patients who have undergone stent-assisted coil embolization for anterior circulation aneurysms.