title: Lower-limb magnetic resonance angiography: performance of extracellular contrast agents versus blood pool contrast agent for both dynamic and high spatial resolution imaging in extended phase.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To prospectively compare the performance of extracellular space contrast agents (ECSCAs) versus a blood-pool contrast agent (BPCA) for a comprehensive lower-limb magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) protocol in patients with either claudication or critical ischaemia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients with claudication underwent lower-limb magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) (dynamic crural, three-station bolus chase, and infra-inguinal high resolution) using a triphasic injection method with both a ECSCA and BPCA to allow intra-individual comparison, and 30 patients with critical ischaemia were scanned with either a ECSCA or BPCA. The dynamic, bolus chase, and high-resolution images were scored for quality on a Likert scale (from 1-5). Signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios were analysed and statistical analysis performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, there was no statistically significant difference between the ECSCAs and BPCA for arteriographic dynamic imaging, bolus chase MRA, or the high spatial resolution imaging. Venous image quality was rated higher quality for BPCA scans than for ECSCA images for calf veins (not significantly for thigh veins). Venous imaging signal intensity measures were higher for BPCA imaging.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Extended-phase imaging using an ECSCA with this protocol provides arteriographic image quality equal to imaging with a BPCA. Venous depiction is good using ECSCAs with this approach, although better with BPCA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G63 9SJ, UK. Electronic address: Giles.Roditi@glasgow.ac.uk.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Roditi
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G63 9SJ, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Christie
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G63 9SJ, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chandramohan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007511:Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media