Non-invasive assessment of epiaortic vessels. Comparison of magnetic resonance angiography with gadolinium, spiral computerized tomography angiography, and digital angiography
Bozzao, A.; Floris, R.; Pocek, M.; Fasoli, F.; Garaci, F.G.; Simonetti, G.
La Radiologia Medica 101(1-2): 48-53
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-8362 PMID: 11360753 Document Number: 535333
The aim of the study was to compare gadolinium-enhanced MRA (Gd-MRA), Computed Tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the evaluation of carotid stenosis. Thirty patients with US-proven internal carotid artery stenosis over 50%, underwent Gd-MRA, CTA and DSA. Gd-MRA was acquired using the keyhole technique. The overall agreement was 90% for Gd-MRA and 93% for CTA. Gd-MRA and CTA overestimated 5 and 4 cases of mild stenosis and 1 case each of moderate stenosis, respectively. Gd-MRA better delineated ulcerated plaques, tandem lesions and pseudo-occlusions. Because of the high speed acquisition breath-hold is no longer necessary for Gd-MRA and more delayed phases were analysed when necessary. The main limitation of Gd-MRA was represented by insufficient volume coverage that allowed the visualisation of supraaortic vessels from the arch only in 57% of the cases. Calcified plaques were very well detected by CTA and not by Gd-MRA. In our experience Gd-MRA represents the second step non invasive tool in patients with US-proven carotid stenosis. This leads to avoid conventional angiography in most cases.