CT angiography versus intraarterial digital subtraction angiography for assessment of aortoiliac occlusive disease.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of CT angiography (CTA) with a single helical acquisition for assessment of stenoses and occlusions of the iliac arteries.


METHODS
In our prospective study, intraarterial digital subtraction angiography and IV CTA were performed from the suprarenal aorta to below the femoral bifurcation in 30 patients with vascular occlusive disease. Maximum-intensity-projection images in multiple views were also obtained. The accuracy of CTA with and without analysis of axial images was determined.


RESULTS
Sensitivity and specificity of CTA were 100% for iliac artery occlusions with a confidence interval 85-100% and 97-100%, respectively. When axial scans were interpreted, 14 of 15 high-grade (> 75%) stenoses were recognized. Sensitivity and specificity of CTA were 93% (range, 68-100%) and 99% (range, 97-100%), respectively. When maximum intensity projections alone were analyzed, sensitivity for the diagnosis of 15 high-grade stenoses was only 53% (range, 27-79%) because calcified plaques obscured six stenoses.


CONCLUSIONS
CTA accurately reveals iliac artery occlusions. Observers of CT angiograms may overlook short stenoses in rare instances. Calcified plaques limit the use of maximum-intensity-projection images.
Rieker
O
O
Department of Radiology, Klinik für Radiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany.
Düber
C
C
Neufang
A
A
Pitton
M
M
Schweden
F
F
Thelen
M
M
D000792:Angiography; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed