Py. Brillet et al., Investigation of peripheral vascular bed in critical lower limb ischemia: comparative study between arteriography and magnetic resonance angiography, J MAL VASC, 26(1), 2001, pp. 31-38
Objectives: To determine the precise role of arteriography and contrast-enh
anced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to evaluate the peripheral vascu
lar bed in critical ischemia of the lower limbs in candidates for distal va
scularization.
Material and methods: Fifteen patients (mean age 66 +/- 18 years) underwent
MRA and arteriography. In all, 23 lower limbs were studied by non-selectiv
e arteriography with aortic injection (n = 12) or selective arteriography w
ith iliofemoral injection (n = 11).
Results: The strength of agreement between MRA and selective arteriography
was good (k = 0.75) for analysis of leg arteries. MRA was better than non-s
elective arteriography (p < 0.035) to evaluate artery patency. In our study
, only MRA improved the treatment decision.
Conclusion: In patients requiring an assessment of the peripheral vascular
bed before distal revascularization, contrast-enhanced MRA can be the first
exam. In case of an inadequate MRA, only selective arteriography needs to
be performed.