Multi-slice CT (MSCT) angiography for assessment of traumatic lesions of lower limbs peripheral arteries.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) angiography for the assessment of traumatic lesions involving the arteries of the lower limbs.


METHODS
Forty-seven patients with suspected arterial post-traumatic lesions of lower limbs underwent MSCT angiography (4 x 2.5-mm collimation, 3-mm slice width). The standards of reference were: digital subtraction angiography (DSA; patients with inconclusive/doubtful or positive MSCT angiography indicating a need for intravascular treatment), surgical findings (patients with positive MSCT angiography indicating a need for surgery), or clinical/investigational follow-up (patients with negative MSCT angiography and no need for further diagnostic procedures or surgery).


RESULTS
All CT exams were technically adequate. Sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy of MSCT angiography were 96.3, 90, and 93.6%, respectively, relative to the reference of standard findings. In 44 out of 47 patients, MSCT angiography allowed a correct continuation of the diagnostic work-up.


CONCLUSIONS
MSCT angiography is a reliable fast tool for diagnosing traumatic vascular lesions, providing results comparable to DSA.
Department of Radiology, University of Chieti, Osp. SS. Annunziata, Via dei Vestini, 66013, Chieti, Italy. r.iezzi@rad.unich.it
Roberto
R
Iezzi
Antonio Raffaele
AR
Cotroneo
Danilo
D
Pascali
Biagio
B
Merlino
Maria Luigia
ML
Storto
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000293:injuries*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007479:Iopamidol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media; C057937:iomeprol; D007479:Iopamidol