Validation of the jugular venous reflux animal model by three-dimensional time-of-flight MRA with a clinical scanner

Background and Purpose: A rat model of jugular venous reflux (JVR) is widely used in studies of cerebral arteriovenous fistula, cerebral venous hypertension and chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. However, methods to validate the effectiveness of the operation are needed. Methods: We performed neck 3-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with a clinical scanner in a rat model of JVR before and after the operation. High-resolution arterial angiography of the rat neck was acquired with maximum intensity projection. Results: In the JVR model, the success of the operation was validated by enhanced venous structures on MRA. The angiogram also provided information on the height of JVR and the status of other neck vessels. Conclusions: In conclusion, neck 3-dimensional time-of-flight MRA is a useful noninvasive method for monitoring the blood flow in multiple cerebral vessels in this animal model. It also revealed the height of JVR, collateral development and changes in vessels over time in longitudinal studies. This information should be considered in the evaluation of the animal model.