[Value of arteriography scanning in lower limb artery evaluation: a preliminary study].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasability of CT Angiography (CTA) with a single row of detectors and to compare it to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the evaluation of lower limb peripheral arterial disease.


METHODS
and methods. A total of 22 patients underwent 24 lower limb Helical CTA using a Somatom Plus 4A (Siemens) and 24 DSA using an Angiostar unit (Siemens). CT angiography was performed in one acquisition (collimation 3mm/ couch motion 9mm/ interval 2mm) with tube rotation time of 0.75 sec from the aortic bifurcation to the calf. DSA was performed after catheterization of a common femoral artery using the Seldinger technique. Arteries were classified in four categories (normal or stenosis<50%, stenosis>50%, occlusion, aneurysm). VRT images and axial source images were assessed by two independent radiologists whereas digital angiographies were read by a vascular radiologist.


RESULTS
Global interobserver agreement was good (Kappa=0.71). The degree of agreement between CTA and DSA ranged from low to excellent (0.25 to 0.97) depending on the artery.


CONCLUSIONS
Lower limb CT angiography is a promising non invasive technique. VRT allows quick evaluation. However, is not accurate enough to replace digital angiography.
Walter
F
F
Service d'Imagerie Guilloz, Hôpital Central, 29, avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 54035 Nancy Cedex. f.walter@chu-nancy.fr
Leyder
B
B
Fays
J
J
Bronner
J
J
Lehalle
B
B
Blum
A
A
Roland
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography / Q000592:standards*; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction / Q000592:standards*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000592:standards*