[MR angiography of the carotid arteries using 3D TOF technique with sagittal double-volume acquisition using a new head-neck coil].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to assess the value of MR angiography (MRA) in sagittal technique compared to DSA in the evaluation of carotid artery stenosis.


METHODS
80 carotid arteries in 40 symptomatic patients were prospectively studied with DSA and MRA. MRA was carried out by means of 3 D time-of-flight technique with a FISP sequence (TE6 ms/TR80 ms, flip angle 25 degrees, FOV 240 x 210 mm, matrix 157 x 256 mm, in-plane resolution 1.34 x 0.94 mm, partition thickness 1.32 mm, slab thickness 45 mm, acquisition time 7 min) using a new head-neck coll. Data acquisition was performed in sagittal orientation with the "double-slab" technique. Imaging quality of the extracranial carotid arteries and correctness of quantification of stenosis was performed.


RESULTS
Imaging quality was good at the origin of the carotid arteries in 65%, at the bifurcation region in 98% and near the skull base in 81%. The agreement of DSA and MRA was 96% of the normal arteries (24/25), 90% of the severe stenoses (28/31) and 100% of the occluded arteries (9/9).


CONCLUSIONS
MRA in sagittal "double-slab" technique is a noninvasive technique allowing to detect normal arteries and candidates for surgery with a high degree of certainty.
Link
J
J
Klinik für Radiologische Diagnostik, Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel.
Brinkmann
G
G
Steffens
J C
JC
Graessner
J
J
Müller-Hülsbeck
S
S
Heller
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged