Usefulness of High-Resolution Three-Dimensional Multifusion Medical Imaging for Preoperative Planning in Patients with Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation.

BACKGROUND

Successful resection of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) depends on preoperative assessment of the detailed morphology of the AVM. Simultaneous detailed three-dimensional visualization of the feeding arteries, draining veins, and surrounding structures is needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of high-resolution three-dimensional multifusion medical imaging (HR-3DMMI) for preoperative planning of AVM resection.

METHODS

HR-3DMMI combined magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, thin-slice computed tomography, and three-dimensional rotational angiography. Surface rendering was mainly used for creation of HR-3DMMI using multiple thresholds to create three-dimensional models. HR-3DMMI technique was used in 8 patients for preoperative planning, and imaging findings were compared with operative findings.

RESULTS

All feeding arteries and draining veins were found intraoperatively at the same position as estimated preoperatively and were occluded as planned preoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

HR-3DMMI technique demonstrated the precise locations of feeding arteries, draining veins, and surrounding important tissues, such as corticospinal tract and arcuate fiber, preoperatively and estimated the appropriate route for resection of the AVM. HR-3DMMI is expected to be a very useful support tool for surgery of AVM.