title: Gadolinium magnetic angioresonance in the study of aortoiliac disease.
abstract: There is a need for noninvasive methods for the early identification of patients with intermittent claudication who need surgical treatment. Newer magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) techniques allow detailed study of the arterial tree with image quality similar to that of conventional arteriography. From April 1997 to January 2001, 30 patients with intermittent claudication of the lower limbs were studied with both imaging methods. In each case, the MRA images were examined first and the arteriographic images were examined 15 days later. Examiners interpreting the arteriographic images were blinded to the results of the corresponding MRA images. After each examination (MRA and arteriography), a vascular surgeon suggested a surgical plan. MRA showed results similar to those of arteriography, although with inferior image quality. No patient had an allergic reaction or side effects due to administration of contrast material. There was total agreement between MRA and arteriography in regard to the morphologic analysis and proposed surgical plans in every case. In conclusion, MRA is a feasible, useful, and less invasive alternative for the morphologic evaluation of the aortofemoral area in patients with intermittent claudication of lower limbs.
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiology of Hospital São Luiz, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. nwolosker@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Nelson
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wolosker
authors.forename: Livio
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nakano
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: D'Hippolito
authors.forename: Ruben Ayzin
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Rosoky
authors.forename: Maria Lucia
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Borri
authors.forename: Angela Maria Borri
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Wolosker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography
chemical_list: D005682:Gadolinium