Dual source CT angiography in popliteal artery entrapment syndrome

Aim To evaluate the clinical value of dual source computed tomography (DSCT) angiography in the diagnosis and treatment for popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES). Materials and Methods 8 patients with PAES were retrospectively reviewed. 64-slice dual source CT angiography was performed based on the following protocol: 100mL of Iopamidol (370mgI/mL) was injected at a rate of 3.5mL/s and arterial phase images were obtained by using bolus tracking. Axial DSCT images and reconstructed images including multi-planar reconstruction (MPR), maximum intensity projection (MIP), volume rendering (VR) were collected and analysed. All patients underwent Doppler colour ultrasound examinations and surgeries. Results The popliteal artery and the neighbouring muscular structures were clearly shown on the axial images revealing the cause of the arterial entrapment. Furthermore, the site and length of the segmental occlusion and collateral developments were well demonstrated on reconstructed images. Characterisation and classification based on DSCT angiography were confirmed by surgeries. PAES was accurately diagnosed by DSCT angiography in all enrolled patients. In contrary, only 5 PAES cases were accurately diagnosed by ultrasound examination. Conclusion DSCT angiography is a noninvasive and valuable tool in the diagnosis of PAES and plays an important role in the determination of treatment plans.