CONTRAST-ENHANCED MR-ANGIOGRAPHY IN LERICHES-SYNDROME

Purpose: To determine the usefulness of contrast-enhanced MR angiograp hy for the diagnosis of Leriche's syndrome. Material and methods: Leri che's syndrome was seen in 7 patients via DSA. In addition, contrast-e nhanced MR angiography was performed (T-R 7.8 ms/T-E 2.1 ms, flip angl e 30 degrees, slab thickness 116 mm, slice thickness 1.82 mm, 64 parti tions, FOV 500 x 438 mm, matrix 224 x 512). Results: Diagnosis of Leri che's syndrome was possible by contrast-enhanced MR angiography in eac h case. Visualisation of the femoral arteries was not possible in two patients by intraarterial DSA, in three other patients there was an in sufficient contrast in the femoral arteries with DSA. Contrast-enhance d MR angiography revealed good visualisation of the femoral arteries i n these patients. in addition, contrast-enhanced MR angiography allowe d complete visualisation of the patent lower limb arteries. In intraar terial DSA visualisation of the lower limb arteries was achieved reach ed in only one patient, but was incomplete. Conclusion: Contrast-enhan ced MR angiography yielded the correct diagnosis of Leriche's syndrome in all 7 patients. Contrast-enhanced MR angiography was superior to D SA in the assessment of the distal run-off vessels in five of seven pa tients.