Introduction: Dissection is a tear in the lining of an artery, which allows blood to enter between the layers of a blood vessel. For evaluation of cervical artery dissection, we can use magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computed tomographic angiography (CTA). MRA is a method, which shows blood vessels with or without the use of a contrast agent. We can use time of flight technique or phase contrast angiography. Another method, used to represent dissections is CTA, where ionizing radiation and the necessary use of the iodine contrast agent are present. Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine which imaging diagnostics is the method of choice for displaying the cervical artery dissection, and to present the advantages and disadvantages of the CTA and MRA method. Methods: In a retrospective study, we included 17 patients who had performed MRA and CTA exams. We compared CTA and MRA exams of patients who had a diagnosis or suspicion of a dissection in the area of the cervical arteries after the initial CTA was performed. Results: After the CTA exam, 10 cases were suspected of dissection of the cervical arteries, the dissection was confirmed in 6 cases, and in 1 case there was no diagnosis or suspicion of dissection. CTA method also showed narrowing of blood vessels in 5 cases. The MRA method confirmed the presence of dissection in 12 cases. In 2 cases, in addition to dissection, thrombus and narrowing of vessels were also found, in 4 patients, ischemic changes, in 2 cases thrombus, and in 2 cases narrowing. In one case, besides the narrowing, pseudoaneurysm was also detected. In 3 cases where dissection was not confirmed, no additional pathologies were found. In 1 case where dissection was no confirmed, flap was detected, and in the other case, ischemic changes were observed. Discussion and conclusion: We found out, that the MRA demonstrates the dissection of the cervical arteries better than the CTA. It is also better at showing us the narrowing of the arteries, ischemic changes in the brain, thrombi and pseudoaneurysms. However, for the primary diagnostic exam, the CTA method is still a gold standard since the examination is more accessible, faster and has less contraindications. We think that the MRA turns out to be a very good complementary method that can confirm or reject a suspicion of a possible dissection.
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