Causes of misinterpretation of cross-sectional imaging studies for dissection of the craniocervical arteries

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2011 Jan;196(1):45-52. doi: 10.2214/AJR.10.5384.

Abstract

Objective: This review presents some of the more common causes of false-positive and false-negative interpretations of cross-sectional imaging studies showing, or designed to show, dissection of the carotid or vertebral arteries.

Conclusion: Dissection of the craniocervical arteries is a diagnosis that can be very difficult on cross-sectional imaging studies such as CT angiography, MRI, and MR angiography.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Dissection / diagnosis*
  • Carotid Arteries*
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • False Negative Reactions
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vertebral Artery*