[Non-invasive assessment of epiaortic vessels. Comparison of magnetic resonance angiography with gadolinium, spiral computerized tomography angiography, and digital angiography].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to compare gadolinium-enhanced MRA (Gd-MRA), Computed Tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the evaluation of carotid stenosis.


METHODS
Thirty patients with US-proven internal carotid artery stenosis over 50%, underwent Gd-MRA, CTA and DSA. Gd-MRA was acquired using the keyhole technique.


RESULTS
The overall agreement was 90% for Gd-MRA and 93% for CTA. Gd-MRA and CTA overestimated 5 and 4 cases of mild stenosis and 1 case each of moderate stenosis, respectively. Gd-MRA better delineated ulcerated plaques, tandem lesions and pseudo-occlusions.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of the high speed acquisition breath-hold is no longer necessary for Gd-MRA and more delayed phases were analysed when necessary. The main limitation of Gd-MRA was represented by insufficient volume coverage that allowed the visualisation of supraaortic vessels from the arch only in 57% of the cases. Calcified plaques were very well detected by CTA and not by Gd-MRA. In our experience Gd-MRA represents the second step non invasive tool in patients with US-proven carotid stenosis. This leads to avoid conventional angiography in most cases.
Bozzao
A
A
Istituto di Radiologia, Università Tor Vergata, Roma. bozzao@pbxfreenet.it
Floris
R
R
Pocek
M
M
Fasoli
F
F
Garaci
F G
FG
Simonetti
G
G
D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D005682:Gadolinium