Comparison of preoperative three-dimensional gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to the operative assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysm anatomy: A retrospective study

The purpose of this paper was to compare gadolinium-enhanced magnetic reson ance angiography (MRA) and operative evaluation of the anatomic extent of a bdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and assessment of other visceral arteries a nd common iliac arteries. A retrospective study was performed on 47 patient s who had preoperative gadolinium-enhanced MRA and subsequent AAA repair. T he original MRA interpretations were compared to the operative findings. In cases where there was a discrepancy, the MRAs were reassessed. MRA correct ly evaluated the proximal extent (distance from renal vessels) of the AAA i n 45 of 47 patients (96%), and ill all (100%) patients MRA identified the d istal extent (relation to aortic bifurcation or extension into iliac vessel s) of the aneurysm. Ten of 15 accessory renal arteries were correctly ident ified (67%). Four of the five missed accessory renal arteries were identifi ed on reassessment. MRA correctly diagnosed 10/12 cases of inferior mesente ric artery (IMA) occlusion. Two, which were called occluded, were found to be patent on reassessment. MRA correctly diagnosed six retroaortic left ren al veins. Three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography with intravenous administration of gadolinium is a noninvasive method for the preoperative evaluation of abdominal aortic aneurysms. MRA with IV gadolinium can accura tely evaluate AAA anatomy before surgical repair.