[Contrast-enhanced MR angiography in the routine work-up of the lower extremity arteries].
OBJECTIVE
Prospective evaluation of the effectiveness of contrast-enhanced moving-table magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) as the sole routine tool for the diagnosis of peripheral arterial occlusive disease and determination whether it can replace catheter arteriography.


METHODS
In a time period of 23 weeks, 100 consecutive patients were evaluated. A total of 112 contrast-enhanced moving-table MR angiograms were performed at 1.5 Tesla. A dedicated vascular coil system was used. It was evaluated in which cases MR angiography was sufficient to determine the treatment plan and in which cases limited quality required additional examinations.


RESULTS
In 93.75 % (105/112) of all examinations, the treatment plan was determined by MRA as the sole diagnostic tool. Twenty-two patients underwent surgery or percutaneous angioplasty based on MRA findings. Additional examinations due to impaired quality were performed in seven (6.25 %) cases: two MR angiographies of the pelvic arteries, one MR angiography of the calf, and four selective arteriographies because of venous overlay at the calf.


CONCLUSIONS
Contrast-enhanced MR angiography can take the place of catheter angiography in the routine work-up of patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Further assessment might be necessary in five to ten percent of the cases when the diagnostic quality is inadequate, mostly due to venous overlay in the lower leg.
Lenhart
M
M
Institut für Röntgendiagnostik, Klinikum der Universität Regensburg. markus.lenhart@klinik.uni-regensburg.de
Finkenzeller
T
T
Paetzel
C
C
Strotzer
M
M
Mann
S
S
Djavidani
B
B
Nitz
W R
WR
Link
J
J
Feuerbach
S
S
Kasprzak
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010388:Pelvis / Q000098:blood supply; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D019786:Gadolinium DTPA