Our data show that double origin of the PICA is seen in 4.1% of patients with intracranial aneurysm and on 1.45% of catheter angiograms. Double origin of the PICA has an increased association with intracranial aneurysmal disease and may represent a risk factor for subsequent development of intracranial aneurysm.

Three-tesla magnetic resonance (MR) imaging represents one of the major forefronts of diagnostic neuroradiology today. Heat deposition, changes in T1 relaxation rates, susceptibility differences, and greater inherent sensitivity to motion artifacts represent challenges to clinical implementation. However, the situation appears remarkably similar to that encountered almost 15 years ago as the field of MR transitioned from 0.3-0.6 T to 1.5 T units. Current-generation 3 T MR units already provide markedly improved imaging of the brain as compared with 1.5 T units. This is illustrated in the article that follows, together with many of the advanced techniques now available and in the pipeline to deal with the difficulties inherent at 3 T.

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) has benefited from rapid technologic developments, including specific hardware and pulse sequence design. This article provides a brief practical overview of technique together with clinical examples of utility in daily application, from the view of an interventional radiologist. CE-MRA is rapidly replacing catheter-based diagnostic angiography for examination of the carotid arteries, aorta, renal arteries, and lower extremity.

No abstract