TABLE 2.

Comparison of imaging modalities

Imaging Modality	Description	Benefits	Risks
Radiograph	A technique that uses electromagnetic radiation to create an image of the internal structures of the body	Low cost Fast Can detect phleboliths or bony remodeling	Ionizing radiation Provides very little useful information
CT Scan	A technique that uses ionizing radiation to create a multidimensional image of the body	Better spatial resolution compared to radiographs Fast	Ionizing radiation Provides little useful information Cannot be used in children with syndromes that cause increased susceptibility to radiation
Ultrasound	An imaging device that uses sound waves to visualize internal structures of the body. Doppler US uses sound waves to measure the direction and speed at which blood is flowing	Readily available Low cost Safe Sedation is not needed Good soft tissue contrast Can determine vascularity and flow dynamics	Limited utility for examining deeper anatomy Inferior to MRI and MRA in evaluating extent of a lesion or muscle/bone involvement
MRI	An imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to form images of internal structures in the body	Superior spatial resolution Can determine vascularity and flow dynamics No ionizing radiation Can run several sequences at the same time	Expensive Time consuming May require sedation in infants and children Cannot be used in the presence of implanted devices
MRA	A specially tailored MR sequence that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to focus on imaging blood vessels	Safer than conventional angiography Good spatial and temporal resolution Can determine vascularity and flow dynamics	Expensive May not be available in all centers Cannot be used in patients with implanted devices
Dynamic time-resolved MRA	A specific type of contrast enhanced MRA that acquires images every few seconds allowing for improved temporal resolution and evaluation of flow dynamics	Improved temporal resolution Can determine vascularity and flow dynamics Shorter procedure time and decreased contrast material used compared to traditional MRI or angiography	Expensive May not be available in all centers Cannot be used in patients with implanted devices
Angiography	Technique that uses intravascular contrast injected in close proximity to the anomaly and fluoroscopy to visualize blood vessels	Good visualization of blood vessels	Invasive