[Arterial vascular screening with whole body MR angiography].
Atherosclerosis represents a frequent health problem in developed countries. Although a systemic disease, the diagnostic approach to atherosclerosis has remained segmental. Largely, this approach has been a reflection of limitations inherent to the imaging techniques used. Recently, whole-body MR angiography has become possible allowing the display of the arterial vasculature from the supraaortic arteries to the distal run-off vessels in merely 72 seconds. The technique provides images quality comparable to catheter angiography. The advantage of this approach relates to its potential in detecting vascular pathologies in regions which would have remained unexamined with conventional diagnostic management. Thus, the outlined strategy of whole-body MR angiography mirrors the systemic nature of atherosclerosis and can be used as a noninvasive comprehensive screen for arterial disease screening.
Goyen
Mathias
M
Zentralinstitut für Röntgendiagnostik, Universitätsklinikum Essen. mathias.goyen@uni-essen.de
Ruehm
Stefan G
SG
Debatin
Jörg F
JF
D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008403:Mass Screening; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity