ROLE OF MAGNETIC-RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY FOR ASSESSMENT OF ABDOMINAL AORTIC-ANEURYSM BEFORE ENDOLUMINAL REPAIR

Background A detailed knowledge of the morphology of the aorta and ili ac arteries is an important prerequisite for successful endoluminal ab dominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. The best method of preoperative evaluation remains to be determined. Methods A prospective study was u ndertaken between January 1994 and July 1995 to assess the ability of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), colour duplex imaging and intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IA -DSA) to visualize AAA morphology. Results Eighty-two consecutive pati ents (64 men, 18 women) with AAA were assessed with MRA, contrast-enha nced CT, colour duplex imaging and IA-DSA. Median age was 74 (range 59 -87) years and median AAA diameter was 5.7 (range 3.5-9.7) cm. Five pa tients were unable to tolerate CT or MRA examination. Seventy-seven pa tients underwent both CT and MRA. Of these, 55 also had a colour duple x scan and 32 underwent arteriography. The scans were assessed by an i ndependent blinded observer. MRA was significantly better (P < 0.01) a t visualizing AAA morphology compared with CT and colour duplex imagin g. There was no statistically significant difference between MRA and a rteriography. Conclusion MRA is useful in patient selection for endolu minal AAA repair, as it avoids use of iodinated contrast medium and io nizing radiation.