title: Computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography imaging of the mesenteric vasculature.
abstract: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are highly accurate cross-sectional vascular imaging modalities that have almost completely replaced diagnostic catheter angiography for the evaluation of the mesenteric vasculature. CTA is the technique of choice when evaluating patients with suspected mesenteric ischemia; it permits to differentiate between occlusive and nonocclusive etiologies, to evaluate indirect signs of bowel ischemia, and in some instances, to provide alternative diagnoses. MRA has the advantage of not using ionizing radiation and iodinated contrast agents and can be appropriate in the nonacute setting. Both CTA and MRA are suitable for the assessment of patients with suspected chronic mesenteric ischemia, allowing to evaluate the degree of atherosclerotic steno-occlusive disease and the existence of collateral circulation, as well as other nonatherosclerotic vascular pathologies such as fibromuscular dysplasia and median arcuate ligament syndrome. CTA provides excellent depiction of visceral aneurysms and has an important role to plan therapy for both occlusive and aneurysmal diseases and in the follow-up of patients after open or endovascular mesenteric revascularization procedures. This article provides an introduction to the CTA and MRA imaging protocol to study the mesenteric vasculature, the imaging findings in patients presenting with acute and chronic mesenteric ischemia and visceral aneurysms, and the value of these imaging techniques for therapy planning and follow-up.
authors: Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA. Electronic address: kdh2n@virginia.edu.
authors: Klaus D
authors: KD
authors: Hagspiel
authors: Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA.
authors: Lucia
authors: L
authors: Flors
authors: Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Hanley
authors: Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA.
authors: Patrick T
authors: PT
authors: Norton
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D002445:Celiac Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003097:Collateral Circulation; D057510:Endovascular Procedures; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D008638:Mesenteric Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D065666:Mesenteric Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008641:Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D013152:Splanchnic Circulation; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: CT Angiography; MR Angiography; Mesenteric Ischemia