Abstract:

Objective
To probe the value of clinical application of three dimensional contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (3D CE MRA) for diagnosis of peripheral artery occlusive diseases (PAOD) and to assess its accuracy. Methods One hundred and three cases of PAOD received 3D CE MRA before operation. And 579 vascular segments were displayed. The diagnosis of 3D CE MRA before operation were compared with the results of vascular reconstruction surgeries of lower extremities. The image quality and how 3D CE MRA revealed the abnormal blood vessels were evaluated. Results Satisfactory images of the main arteries of the lower extremities were achieved by 3D CE MRA. In 579 vascular segments of 103 patients with PAOD, the sensitivity and specificity for detection of severe stenosis and occlusions were 97.6% and 95.4%， respectively. In 206 vascular segments of tibiofibula artery, the sensitivity was 100%. In 196 vascular segments of femoral artery, the specificity was 97%. Conclusion 3D CE MRA is accurate and reliable for determination of the degree of peripheral artery stenosis. The results of 3D CE MRA are concordant with that of operation.

Key words: magnetic resonance angiography, arteriosclerosis obliterans, lower leg, arteries