Susceptibility-weighted MR imaging in the diagnosis of superficial siderosis of the central nervous system: what can it add to conventional MR imaging and diffusion-weighted MR imaging

Abstract

Objectives To systematically investigate the capability of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in the assessment of SS by comparisons with conventional MRI and DWI. Methods From retrospective data, 21 patients with SS who underwent conventional MRI, DWI and SWI sequences were selected. The number of microbleeds in the brain parenchyma and extent of the lesions identified between the three techniques were compared using one-factor analysis of variance. Results Susceptibility-weighted imaging showed excellent intra-and interobserver agreements in the assessment of SS, and also detected a larger number of SS with wider distribution in the surface of the brain and more cerebral microbleeds in brain parenchyma compared to the conventional MR sequences and DWI sequence (all p < 0.05). Conclusion Susceptibility-weighted imaging can provide excellent intra-and interobserver agreements and sensitive imaging biomarkers for detecting the presence of SS, especially the microbleeds in brain parenchyma, thus having the potential to improve early detection and progression monitoring of this disease.