AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology
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AJNR Am J Neuroradiol · Jun 1999
Tortuous, engorged pial veins in intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas: correlations with presentation, location, and MR findings in 122 patients.
Tortuous, engorged veins can be identified on the venous phase of the brain circulation in patients with venous congestion related to an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). The term pseudophlebitic pattern (PPP) has been used to describe this finding. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of PPP in patients with intracranial DAVF and to analyze the relationship of this sign to presentation, location of the fistula, presence of retrograde leptomeningeal venous drainage, and MR findings. ⋯ The PPP reflects venous congestion and is associated with an aggressive presentation with or without retrograde leptomeningeal venous drainage. PPP may be a useful prognostic indicator and should be considered in treatment decisions.