Intracranial aneurysms: diagnostic accuracy of MR angiography with evaluation of maximum intensity projection and source images

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether evaluation of source images from magnetic resonance (MR) angiography in addition to maximum-intensity projection (MIP) images improves the detection of aneurysms.

Materials and methods: Conventional and MR angiography were performed in 193 patients with various intracranial vascular lesions or normal findings. Images were evaluated in a blinded manner. Two readings were performed 6 weeks apart by evaluating MIP images with and without source images. Results were evaluated with receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results: Sensitivity for the detection of aneurysms increased slightly when source images were included. The detection rate of internal carotid artery aneurysms was most improved with the addition of source images. No statistically significant differences in performance were found between the readings with MIP images alone and with source images.

Conclusion: Sensitivity may improve with combined reading of nonselective MIP and source images.