High signal intensity in the dural sinuses on 3D-TOF MR angiography at 3.0 T

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the frequency of high signal intensity in the dural sinuses of normal subjects upon magnetic resonance (MR) angiography using 3.0-T scanners. Methods: A total of 748 consecutive healthy subjects underwent three-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography at 3.0 T. Sixteen subjects were excluded. MR angiographic source images were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of high signal intensity in the inferior petrosal sinus, pterygoid sinus, or sigmoid sinus. Results: Of the 732 examinations, 10 (1.3%) showed high signal intensity in the dural sinuses (left inferior petrosal sinus, n=4; left pterygoid sinus, n=3; left sigmoid sinus, n=6). High signal intensity in the dural sinuses was observed only on the left side. The minimum diameter of the left brachiocephalic vein was significantly smaller in subjects with high signal intensity than in the control group. Conclusion: In our study with healthy subjects at 3.0 T, the frequency of high signal intensity in the dural sinuses is as low as 1.3%. Retrograde flow due to physiological stenosis of the left brachiocephalic vein may be one of the causes of this phenomenon. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.