title: Feasibility of using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography as the sole imaging modality prior to endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to establish the feasibility of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRA as the sole imaging modality in the assessment of patients prior to endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).
  
  
  METHODS
  DCE MRA with MRI and helical computed tomography (CT) examinations were performed in patients being assessed for suitability for an endovascular approach to repair of their AAA. Management outcomes determined by the two techniques were compared.
  
  
  METHODS
  sixteen patients with AAA.
  
  
  METHODS
  all subjects underwent DCE MRA/MRI and helical CTA. Criteria for suitability for endovascular repair were established. The management outcomes determined by the MRI findings were compared with those obtained by CTA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  high-quality MRA/MRI and CT images were obtained in 16 patients. Six patients were considered suitable for an endovascular approach, one was considered borderline and nine were judged unsuitable. In all cases, the overall management determined by the two methods concurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  comparison of the two imaging modalities resulted in agreement as to suitability for an endovascular approach. We therefore conclude that in our group the use of MRI and DCE-MRA proved effective as a sole imaging modality for the assessment of these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Academic Radiology, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Ludman
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Yusuf
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Whitaker
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Gregson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Hopkinson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D015607:Stents; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA