The use of magnetic resonance angiography for assessment of stenotic and occlusive lesions of arteries of lower extremities in patients with intermittent claudication

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was used for non-invasive visualizatio n of peripheral arteries in 36 patients with intermitten claudication. In 2 2 patients results of two-dimensional time-of-flight MRA were prospectively compared with data of conventional contrast arteriography. Overall 220 art erial segments were evaluated. Sensitivity and specificity of MRA for diagn osis of arterial occlusions were 97 and 100%, for diagnosis of 60% or great er stenoses including total occlusions - 92 and 96%, respectively. Length o f occlusions and level of blood flow restoration were correctly determined in all cases. Thus MRA appeared to be highly informative technique for diag nosis of stenoses and occlusions of arteries of lower extremities.