Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography at 3.0T scanner: significance in the classification of peripheral arterial occlusive disease

Aim. Aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (3D CE-MRA); at 3.0T scanner in the classification of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Methods. Thirty-five patients diagnosed of PAOD underwent 3D CE-MRA, 30 cases underwent digital subtracted angiography (DSA) successfully, and 12 cases underwent surgery. Results. The vascular tree from the distal aorta to the lower limbs was well demonstrated. The extent and grade of disease seen in 3D CE-MRA closely matched those seen in DSA and/or surgery. Compared to the results of DSA and/or surgery, the common coincidence of 3D CE-MRA in diagnosing PAOD was 96.89% (780/805), the coincidence in diagnosing mild, moderate, severe stenosis and occlusion was 90.48% (76/84), 87.14% (61/70), 95.77% (68/71), and 98.29% (115/117) respectively, the rate of overestimate in mild, moderate, and severe stenosis was 5.95% (5/84), 10% (7/70), and 2.82%(2/71) respectively, the rate of underestimate in mild, moderate, severe stenosis and occlusion was 3.57% (3/84), 2.86% (2/70), 1.41% (1/71) and 1.74% (2/115) respectively. Conclusion. 3D CE-MRA at 3.0T scanner is of great value in the accurate assessment of the classification of PAOD; it is a reliable and promising new technique. [Int Angiol 2012;31:129-33]