MR angiography of peripheral arteries using on automatic tracking technique at 1.0 Tesla

Purpose: Assessment of the value of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (ceMRA ) using an automatic tracking technique at 1.0 Tesla in comparison with dig ital subtraction angiography (DSA) of the pelvic and lower limb arteries. M aterials and Methods: In 15 patients with peripheral arterial occlusive dis ease a ceMRA (3D FLASH, TR/TE = 6.2/2.3 ms, Flip angle alpha = 30 degrees, Matrix 170 x 256) using a new automatic tracking technique was accomplished . The reference method was DSA. Twenty-one vessel segments of each patient were graded as normal, stenosed (> 50%) or occluded. Image material was eva luated independently by two radiologists. Results: In comparison, the inter observer agreement showed a good (Cohen's kappa >71%) concordance for 38% o f the 21 vessel segments, a moderate (Cohen's kappa between 31%-70%) for 21 % and a poor (Cohen's kappa <30%) concordance for 38% of the 21 vessel segm ents. Regarding the MRA and DSA results, a good concordance was achieved fo r 62% of the 21 vessel segments, 14% showed a moderate concordance and 24% only a poor concordance. Conclusion: In patients with peripheral arterial o cclusive disease ceMRA using an automatic tracking technique enables a reli able evaluation of pelvis and upper limb arteries at 1.0 Tesla. However, a reliable evaluation of lower limb arteries is not yet possible.