Conventional Computed Tomography and Axial Magnetic Resonance T2-Weighted Imaging of Horizontal Segment of Middle Cerebral Artery in Moyamoya Disease or Syndrome in Adult Patients

Background Moyamoya disease or syndrome (MMD or MMS) is a cerebrovascular disease characterized by stenosis or occlusion of the distal portion of the internal carotid arteries, with ultimate spread to the proximal portion of the anterior cerebral arteries and middle cerebral arteries (MCAs). In the present study, we wanted to evaluate the usefulness of conventional computed tomography (CT) and axial magnetic resonance (MR) T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) for the examination of horizontal segments of the MCAs (ie, M1 segments) in patients diagnosed with MMD or MMS. Methods This study enrolled 29 patients (n = 11 men; n = 18 women), who underwent conventional CT and/or MR T2WI. CT angiography, MR angiography, or digital subtraction angiography was used as a reference. CT and MR imaging data were reviewed by 2 experienced radiologists, who analyzed and recorded stenosis or occlusions of the M1 segments. We performed statistical analyses to compare the diagnostic accuracy of both techniques on M1 segments in MMD or MMS. Results Fifty-three steno-occlusive changes of M1 segments were revealed by angiography in the 29 patients. T2W-MRI allowed the identification of moyamoya vessels with 100% success rate. Stenosis and occlusion of M1 segments were better visualized on axial T2W-MRI compared to conventional CT (94.59% versus 71.43%; P = .008). Conclusions Our study showed that conventional CT and axial T2W-MRI could be used to identify the steno-occlusive changes of the horizontal segment of the MCA in MMD or MMS, which may have a significant impact on the accurate diagnosis of this disease at its early stage.