MAGNETIC-RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY IN THE PREOPERATIVE EVALUATION OF ABDOMINAL AORTIC-ANEURYSMS

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and magnetic resonance imaging (M RI) are noninvasive techniques of visualizing blood vessels without th e use of intravenous contrast or ionizing radiation. This prospective study assessed preoperative MRA and MRI in the evaluation of 28 patien ts with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). MRI and MRA accurately predic ted the extent of cephalad AAA, the patency of the superior mesenteric artery, and the course of the left renal vein, but were less accurate in defining the extent of caudal AAA, flow of the inferior mesenteric artery, and multiple renal arteries. This study suggests that MRI and MRA are alternatives to the combination of angiography and computed t omographic scan in the preoperative evaluation of patients with suspec ted AAA and no evidence of mesenteric or renal ischemia. When combined with preoperative segmental Doppler arterial studies, an accurate sur gical plan may be formulated. Further refinements in image acquisition and postprocessing software analysis will advance the use of MRI and MRA for complete evaluation prior to elective AAA repair.