Abstract Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of three dimensional contrast enhanced MRA(3D-CE-MRA) in the imaging of the diseased arteries in lower extremities. Methods: Sixty-eight cases of arterial diseases or trauma of lower extremities received 3D-CE-MRA with a bolus injection of 30ml Gd-DTPA via antecubital vein before operation. Different surgeries were performed on the lower extremities based on the imagings which were harvested by MIP reconstruction workstation. The diagnosis of 3D-CE-MRA before operation were compared with the results of vascular reconstruction surgeries of lower extremities. Results: Satisfactory images of the main arteries of the lower extremities were achieved by 3D-CE-MRA, with the demonstrating rate of 100%. The location, extension and degree of the arterial lesions could be clearly revealed on the 3D-CE-MRA images, and the diagnosis of 3D-CE-MRA were 95%(65/68) in accord with the surgical outcomes. Combining with Doppler ultrasonic examination of vascular diseases, the correct rate of clinical diagnosis of 3D-CE-MRA reached 99%(67/68). Meanwhile, the second branches of anterior tibial arteries and/or posterior tibial arteries were not well demonstrated on 3D-CE-MRA images, however, this had no influence on surgical options and its outcomes. Conclusions: 3D-CE-MRA could play an important role in the diagnosis and follow-up of the arterial diseases of lower extremities with such advantages as accuracy, non-invasion, safety, rapidness and reproducibility. It is especially valuable in arterial surgerical planning and has big clinical significance.
MA Zhong,BIAN Jie-fang,ZHANG Ju-liang, et al. Clinical application of 3D-CE-MRA in the imaging of the diseased arteries in lower extremities[J]. , 2006, 17(5): 282-284.
2006, Vol. 17 
