Impact of source data on the interpretation of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the lower limbs.
BACKGROUND
The primary purpose of this study is to examine whether use of source data is effective in increasing the number of arterial segments that can be interpreted from maximum intensity projections of lower limb MR angiograms. Correlation between sites of arterial disease and venous contamination was also measured. Interpretation of source data is performed routinely by radiologists, but the value of this has not been well studied with randomized studies.


RESULTS
The proportion of segments visible above the knee was 87% using maximal intensity projection alone (MIP) and 88% when the MIP was combined with source data. The proportions were 67% for MIP and 72% for MIP plus source data below the knee. There was substantial agreement between presence of arterial disease and venous contamination in the calf and thigh.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of source data increases the number of assessable segments, but not individuals, by a statistically significant but small amount (1.2%, p <0.05). This study supports the association between arterial disease and venous contamination.
Department of Radiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK. mark.lewis@nnuh.nhs.uk.
Mark
M
Lewis
Madhavi
M
Venumbaka
Kevin
K
Gill
James
J
Cannon
Allan
A
Clark
Andoni P
AP
Toms
Paul N
PN
Malcolm
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
D003287:Contrast Media