MAGNITUDE CONTRAST ANGIOGRAPHY IN PERIPHE RAL OCCLUSIVE VASCULAR-DISEASE OF THE LOWER-LIMBS

Purpose: To assess the clinical value of magnitude contrast angiograph y in arteriosclerosis of the lower limb. Material and methods: 187 exa minations were done in 105 patients with arteriosclerotic lesions of t he femoropopliteal vessels. The MRA results were compared to DSA and c onventional angiography. 36 patients were investigated before and afte r angioplasty. Results: Occlusions were detected correctly in all case s. In mild and moderate stenoses there was 90% agreement. High-grade s tenoses may simulate occlusions. All interruptions of the signal with a length of 1 to 10 mm have to be read as high-grade stenoses (MRA sen sitivity was 0.96 and specificity 0.94). In patients with low cardiac output MRA may be advantageous in comparison to DSA: collaterals and v essels distal to occlusions were visualized better in MRA. Axial scans show morphology of stenoses and occlusions and influenced the choice of treatment in 6 cases. In 3 cases, thrombotic material and calcified plaque were distinguished. After angioplasty vessel wall lesions such as dissection of the intima or compressed plaque inside the vessel wa ll were well visualized. Agreement was 92% with MRA as opposed to less er values with DSA.