Efficacy of patient selection strategies for carotid endarterectomy by contrast-enhanced MRA on a 1 T machine and duplex ultrasound in a regional hospital

AIM: To investigate whether contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) and duplex ultrasound (DUS) could replace digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for diagnosing internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis in regional centres with less specialized technicians and equipment, such as a 1 Tesla MRI machine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six consecutive, symptomatic patients with ICA stenosis, as evidenced using DSA, were included. In the first 34 patients DUS was validated and cut-off criteria were established. Data were analysed by receiver operating characteristic curve and logistic regression. Two observers analysed the DUS and CE-MRA results of 32 patients. Stenoses were categorized in accordance with North American Symptomatic Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) measurement criteria. RESULTS: Peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the ICA was defined as a better parameter for defining stenosis than end diastolic velocity and the PSV ICA:common carotid artery ratio. The optimal PSV threshold was 230cm/s. Four ICAs were not interpretable on DUS, and one on CE-MRA. Two patients did not undergo CE-MRA. The sensitivities and specificities were calculated: for DUS these were 100% and 68% respectively; for observer 1 on CE-MRA these were 93% and 89%, respectively; for observer 2 these were 92% and 87%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for combined DUS/CE-MRA were 100% and 85%, respectively. Seventy-eight percent of CE-MRA and DUS correlated. The weighted Kappa for CE-MRA and DSA were 0.8 and 0.9, respectively. CONCLUSION: DUS and CE-MRA are effective non-invasive methods for selecting patients with ICA stenosis for carotid endarterectomy in non-specialized centres using a 1T machine. The present results suggest that no referrals to more specialized centres for non-invasive diagnostic work-up for carotid artery stenoses will be necessary.     

High-resolution contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the carotid arteries using fluoroscopic monitoring of contrast arrival: diagnostic accuracy and interobserver variability

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) of the supra-aortic arteries using the CareBolus technique. Digital subtraction angiography was the standard of reference. Material and Methods: Fifty consecutive patients with suspected internal carotid artery stenosis underwent CE-MRA and digital subtraction angiography. CE-MRA was performed on a 1.5-T superconducting scanner with the CareBolus technique. CareBolus combines a nearly real-time 2D-FLASH (fast low angle shot) sequence for fluoroscopic triggering and a high-resolution 3D-FLASH with elliptical centric view order for the angiographic pulse sequence (6.0/2.16 ms [TR/TE], 30° flip angle, 30.98 s acquisition time, 0.88 mm effective (interpolated) partition thickness and a 160×512 matrix). Intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography and CE-MRA studies were evaluated independently by four blinded readers. Internal carotid artery stenoses were graded according to the NASCET criteria. Results: CE-MRA had an accuracy of 92.53%, a sensitivity of 95.64%, and a specificity of 90.39% for the identification of carotid artery stenoses ≥70% (grade 3). Image quality for suppression of stationary tissue and venous contrast was good, but was reduced in five cases due to patient motion. Conclusion: The CareBolus technique is a useful non-invasive method for high-resolution imaging of the supra-aortic vessels because of its easy application and high sensitivity and specificity. Limitations can occur in non-compliant patients due to motion artifacts during the measurement time.     

Doppler ultrasound and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in assessing carotid artery stenosis

PURPOSE: This study prospectively compares Doppler ultrasound (Doppler US) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and endarterectomy findings to determine the accuracy in assessing carotid artery stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients underwent carotid endarterectomy, 21 studied with Doppler US, CE-MRA and DSA and 11 with Doppler US and CE-MRA. In 41 carotid arteries, the degree of stenosis was analysed with Doppler US and CE-MRA and compared with DSA by using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Nine out of 32 endarterectomies were done using the eversion technique, and it was possible to compare Doppler US, CE-MRA and DSA with the specimen measurement. Twenty-three out of 32 endarterectomies were done using the standard technique, and the presence of ulcers was documented. RESULTS: There was a significant Doppler US/DSA (Rs=0.86; p<0.001) and CE-MRA/DSA (Rs=0.81; p<0.001) correlation for the degree of stenosis. The diagnostic accuracy of the three methods was the same (89%). Ulcers were most frequently seen at CE-MRA, with a diagnostic accuracy of 85%. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that endarterectomy on the basis of Doppler US and CE-MRA can be considered appropriate. CEMRA was the best noninvasive imaging modality to detect plaque ulceration.     

Time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the carotid arteries: diagnostic accuracy and inter-observer variability compared with selective catheter angiography

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic accuracy and interobserver variability of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) in a time-resolved technique compared with digital subtraction angiography (x-ray DSA) in patients with suspected stenoses of the internal carotid artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 43 patients were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent selective x-ray DSA involving a total of 84 carotid arteries. CE-MRA was performed in a time-resolved technique with a fast gradient-echo sequence on a 1.5 T MR scanner: TR 3.8 milliseconds, TE 1.49 milliseconds. Four consecutive measurements, each a duration of 10 seconds, were performed with omission of measuring bolus transit time. Four independent radiologists scored the degree of stenosis. The interobserver variability was calculated for CE-MRA and x-ray DSA. RESULTS: In the 43 cases, at least one MRA measurement showed arterial contrast without venous degradation. Compared with x-ray DSA the mean sensitivity and specificity for grading stenosis > or = 70% were 98% and 86%, respectively. The interobserver agreement was substantial with no significant difference between CE-MRA (kappa value 0.794) and x-ray DSA (kappa value 0.786). CONCLUSIONS: The short acquisition time of a fast CE-MRA sequence allows a selective visualization of the internal carotid arteries without degradation from venous enhancement. It is a reliable method with a good interobserver agreement.     

三维对比剂增强MR血管成像对颈部动脉病变的诊断价值

目的　分析三维对比剂增强MR血管成像 (3DCE MRA)显示的颈部动脉常见病变 ;与DSA比较 ,明确 3DCE MRA诊断颈部动脉病变的价值。方法　对 741例超声多普勒怀疑颈部动脉疾病的患者进行 3DCE MRA成像 ,并根据其病变表现总结分类。 2 0 6例病人同时行DSA检查 ,将颈部动脉分为颈总、颈内、颈外、锁骨下及椎动脉 5个部位 ,由 2位放射学专家独立评估DSA及 3DCE MRA血管资料。结果　 3 6 7%病例 (2 72 / 741)显示无异常。 63 2 9% (469/ 741)显示颈部动脉有病变 ,共计 82 7段 ,其中动脉粥样斑块占 3 4 2 2 % (2 83段 ) ,动脉狭窄占 3 4 46% (2 85段 ) ,动脉闭塞占 3 3 8% (2 8段 ) ,动脉发育纤细占 14 87% (12 3段 ) ;动脉开口变异占 3 87% (3 2段 ) ,动脉扭曲占 3 63 % (3 0段 ) ,动脉瘤占 0 72 % (6段 ) ,动脉夹层占 1 2 1% (10段 ) ,肿瘤包绕或推压动脉占 1 45% (12段 ) ,术后复查占2 18% (18段 )。对 2 0 6例的 412段血管与DSA比较 ,3DCE MRA在颈总动脉、颈内动脉及椎动脉的阳性检出率差异有显著性意义 (P <0 0 1) ,主要是对动脉粥样斑块 (2 56段与 2 83段 )和动脉狭窄 (2 58段与 2 85段 )存在一定的高估。但对 412段血管整个样本 ,两种方法在同一部位诊断各种血管病变差异无显著性意义 (P >0 0     

Magnetic resonance angiography with contrast media in the study of carotid arteries

PURPOSE: Purpose of our study was to determine the feasibility and accuracy of contrast enhanced Turbo-MRA (CE-MRA) in the evaluation of patients with carotid artery stenosis, using a dynamic technique with multiple acquisitions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 37 patients with suspected carotid artery stenosis were studied with a 1.5 T magnet (Siemens Vision Plus) using, with a neck phased array coil, a dynamic tridimensional T1 weighted spoiled GRE (TR/TE/NEX: 3.8/1.4/1; Matrix = 110 x 160; FOV = 163 x 260 mm TA = 10 seconds for each sequence); 4 consecutive sequences were performed during the same breath hold, acquired after i.v. bolus injection with a power injector (Spectris, Medrad) of 15 ml of Gd-DTPA followed by 10 ml of saline solution (flow rate 2 ml/s). The beginning of the sequence coincided with the injection of Gd-DTPA. Images were reconstructed using a standard MIP algorithm, by selecting which of the sequences provided the highest enhancement. In all patients a DSA was also performed. Images were separately evaluated using conventional angiography as the gold standard and assessed for degree of stenosis by using NASCET criteria, and morphology of the plaque. RESULTS: CE-MRA correctly evaluated the degree of stenosis in 71 of the 74 patients, while overestimated the remaining 3 cases correctly evaluated by DSA. In 12 cases ulcerations were adequately demonstrated by one of the radiologist, while 11 on 12 were depicted by the other one. CE MRA allowed to detect tandem lesions of the internal carotid arteries (by both radiologists) in 13 of 74 carotids studied. Stenosis at the origin of the common carotid arteries were correctly detected in 9 cases. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were respectively of 98, 97 and 99%. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In order to perform an optimal CE-MRA a dynamic technique must be performed to avoid venous filling. The possibility to use ultrafast imaging allows to selectively image the carotid arteries without jugular filling. The well known tendency to overestimate the degree of stenosis has not been found in this group of patients. CE-MRA is a rapid, reliable method to evaluate patients with suspected carotid artery stenosis. These results allow to consider dynamic CE-MRA as a valid method for direct imaging of the carotid arteries.     

Diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced MR angiography in severe carotid stenosis: meta-analysis with metaregression of different techniques

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) has become a well-established noninvasive imaging method for the assessment of severe carotid stenosis (70–99% by NASCET criteria). However, CE-MRA is not a standardised technique, but encompasses different concurrent techniques. This review analyses possible differences. A bivariate random effects meta-analysis of 17 primary diagnostic accuracy studies confirmed a high pooled sensitivity of 94.3% and specificity of 93.0% for carotid CE-MRA in severe carotid stenosis. Sensitivity was fairly uniform among the studies, while specificity showed significant variation (I ² = 73%). Metaregressions found significant differences for specificity with two covariates: specificity was higher when using not only maximum intensity projection (MIP) images, but also three-dimensional (3D) images (P = 0.01). Specificity was also higher with electronic images than with hardcopies (P = 0.02). The timing technique (bolus-timed, fluoroscopically triggered or time-resolved) did not result in any significant differences in diagnostic accuracy. Some nonsignificant trends were found for the percentages of severe carotid disease, acquisition time and voxel size. In conclusion, in CE-MRA of severe carotid stenosis the three major timing techniques yield comparably high diagnostic accuracy, electronic images are more specific than hardcopies, and 3D images should be used in addition to MIP images to increase the specificity.     

磁共振新技术在颈动脉狭窄诊断中的应用

目的研究增强磁共振血管成像（CE—MRA）技术的成像影响因素,评价MR扫描序列对颈动脉狭窄硬化斑块的应用价值,探讨颈动脉狭窄血流动力学变化与临床症状的联系。方法颈动脉狭窄34例,男22例,女12例。年龄36～78岁,平均56岁。病人首先经多普勒超声（DUS）检查,然后行MRA及CE-MRA。22例同时采用亮血（Bright—blood）、黑血（Black—blood）技术、3例行血流测量分析（Flow measurements）。10例于磁共振检查后1周内接受颈动脉狭窄内膜剥除术。扫描技术：（1）MRA及CE-MRA：MRA：二维时间飞跃法MRA（2D TOF MRA）;CE-MRA：快速梯度回波扫描技术,冠状位采集。最佳扫描延迟时间主要采用造影剂团注试验（test-bolus）法。3例采用时间分辨回波分享血管成像技术（TRATE）。（2）斑块检查序列：亮血与黑血技术及增强前后T1序列。（3）血流测量分析：横断位心电门控2D相位对比序列,Argus系统分析血流方向、流速。结果血管覆盖范围：34例CE-MRA,23例良好显示颈部血管起始段至入颅段。2D TOF法11例。动脉狭窄评估程度：10例手术患者中,CE-MRA正确诊断血管狭窄者9例,低估狭窄程度1例。2D TOF正确诊断血管狭窄程度6例,高估3例,低估1例。22例亮血、黑血技术结合CE—MRA清晰显示血管壁及动脉硬化斑块。颈动脉单独成像24例中,Test—bolus法团注造影剂最佳扫描延迟时间为峰值时间-1s,且监视层面定于主动脉弓者18例。4例眩晕患者,颈动脉狭窄侧后交通动脉（PCOA）显示2例;PCOA粗大1例。狭窄侧未显示PCOA,同侧大脑后动脉主干增粗1例。2例锁骨下动脉窃血综合征血流方向异常,1例无名静脉狭窄,同侧颈静脉血流方向异常。结论（1）CE—MRA能完整、全程显示颈部血管,准确诊断颈动脉、椎动脉狭窄。（2）Test-bolus法确定扫描延迟时间为峰值时间-1s,并将监视层面定于主动脉弓时,可保证造影剂在动脉内达到高峰浓度时采集K空间数据,获得颈动脉单独成像的最佳图像。（3）亮血、黑血技术结合CE-MRA有助于显示颈动脉狭窄硬化斑块。（4）分析、测量颈动脉狭窄的血流动力学变化能全面评价狭窄后血流改变与临床症状的联系。     

Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography MoBI-trak in the Study of Peripheral Vascular Disease

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) MoBI-trak of peripheral vessels in patients with peripheral vascular disease who were candidates for digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Methods: Eleven patients underwent CE-MRA with automated table movement (MoBI-trak) using a 1.5 T superconducting magnet (Philips Gyroscan ACS NT) equipped with a Power Trak 6000 gradient. Contrast medium (Gd-DTPA) was administered in two sequential boluses-20 cm3 at 0.6 cm3/sec (starting phase) and 20 cm3 at 0.3 cm3/sec (maintenance phase)-using a MedRad Spectris automatic injector. DSA was the gold standard and was performed using a Philips Integris 3000, with a brilliance intensifier of 38 seconds. DSA and MRA were evaluated on printed films. Results: DSA provided 213 diagnostic assessments: 144 negative, 30 stenosis <50%, 5 stenoses in the 51-70% range, 12 stenoses in the 71-99% range and 22 occlusions. CE-MRA MoBI-trak sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy were 94.1%, 99.2%, 98.4%, 80.0% and 97.5%, respectively. Conclusions: Our work is in accordance with the literature. Using this technique MoBI-trak has been shown to be a reliable technique for the detection of peripheral vascular disease up to the trifurcation, although it underlines the necessity for more diagnostic investigation and improvements in the technique.     

Gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced MR angiography: Diagnostic performance of four doses for detection and grading of carotid, renal, and aorto-iliac stenoses compared to digital subtraction angiography

PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) with four doses of gadobenate dimeglumine for detection of significant steno-occlusive disease of the carotid, renal, and pelvic vasculature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four patients with suspected disease of the renal (n = 16), pelvic (n = 41), or carotid (n = 27) arteries underwent CE-MRA (3D-spoiled gradient-echo sequences) at 1.5T. CE-MRA was performed with gadobenate dimeglumine at 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, or 0.2 mmol/kg (23, 24, 19, and 18 patients, respectively) administered at 2 mL/sec. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) for detection of significant disease (>50% stenosis or occlusion for renal/pelvic arteries; >70% stenosis or occlusion for carotid arteries) was determined by three fully blinded, independent radiologists using conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as reference standard. All comparisons were tested statistically (ANOVA, chi-square, and Mantel-Haenszel tests as appropriate) and reader agreement (kappa) was assessed. RESULTS: Values for accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV on CE-MRA were consistently higher for 0.1 mmol/kg gadobenate dimeglumine (accuracy = 95.2-97.3%, sensitivity = 84.2% (all readers), specificity = 96.9-99.2%, PPV = 80.0-94.1%, NPV = 97.6-97.7%). The greater accuracy of the 0.1 mmol/kg dose was significant (P < 0.01, all readers) compared to all other dose groups. Agreement between the three readers was good for all dose groups (kappa >/=0.58), with the highest percent agreement (85.7%) noted for the 0.1 mmol/kg dose. CONCLUSION: Significantly better diagnostic performance on CE-MRA of the renal, pelvic, and carotid arteries is achieved with a gadobenate dimeglumine dose of 0.1 mmol/kg bodyweight.     

CE-MRA在颈动脉狭窄中诊断价值的研究

目的探讨对比增强磁共振血管造影(CE-MRA)对颈动脉狭窄及狭窄程度的诊断价值。资料与方法对54例有临床缺血症状的患者行CE-MRA检查后1周内行DSA检查,将其颈动脉影像学结果进行比较。结果 CE-MRA对颈动脉狭窄的敏感性、特异性、假阴性、假阳性和诊断符合率分别为94.12%、91.89%、5.88%、8.11%和92.59%;对狭窄程度进行分级后再次进行准确性的比较,发现CE-MRA对颈动脉狭窄的敏感性、特异性、假阴性、假阳性和诊断符合率分别为91.67%、80.95%、8.33%、19.15%和83.33%;将正常血管剔除后进行狭窄程度准确性比较,其诊断符合率为55%。结论 CE-MRA可作为颈动脉狭窄的一种筛查手段,但仍无法准确评价颈动脉狭窄的程度。     

造影增强MR血管成像对急性缺血性中风患者血管状况的评估价值

目的:探讨CE-MRA在急性缺血性中风患者血管状况评估中的可行性。方法:27例大脑中动脉供血区急性缺血性中风患者在发病后6h内进行了TOF-MRA和CE-MRA检查,根据随访结果,对TOF-MRA和CE-MRA在急性缺血性中风患者血管状况的评估价值进行了对比分析。结果:①在27例患者中,有11例患者在TOF-MRA上表现为大脑中动脉完全闭塞而在CE-MRA上仍可见残余血流,随访结果与CE-MRA结果一致;②CE-MRA的扫描时间明显短于TOF-MRA;③CE-MRA可以在不增加扫描时间的情况下对颈部动脉和颅内动脉同时成像。结论:CE-MRA能够及时、准确地对急性缺血性中风患者血管状况进行评估,优于常规的TOF-MRA,由于急性缺血性中风患者需要紧急处理,在应用MR评估血管状况时CE-MRA应为首选。     

MR和CT血管造影在诊断颈动脉狭窄及内膜切除术后随访中的价值

目的 探讨磁共振血管造影（MRA）、CT血管造影（CTA）在诊断颈动脉狭窄及内膜切除术后随访中的价值。方法 11例22支颈动脉行MRA、CTA、CT仿真内窥镜（CTVE）、多普勒超声（DUS）检查。12支结果与DSA对照。3支颈动脉重度狭窄者行内膜切除术,MRA采用二维、三维时间飞越法。CTA经最大强度投影（MIP）及遮盖表现显示法（SSD）三维重建。应用导航功能行CTVE成像。结果 颈动脉轻度狭窄8支,中度狭窄3支,重度狭窄5支,闭塞1支,5支正常。12支颈动脉与DSA对照：CTA评估血管狭窄与DSA相符者11支,MRA与DSA相符者9支,DUS与DSA相符者7支。CTA、CTVE显示斑块、壁血栓6支,3支手术证实。术后MRA示狭窄解除,CTA示斑块消失。结论 MRA、DUS可用于颈动脉狭窄的筛选及术后随访。CTA评估血管狭窄程度与DSA、手术比较有较好的一致性,并能直接显示钙化斑块。     

3.0T高分辨率CE-MRA对颈部血管狭窄的诊断价值

目的探讨三维对比增强磁共振血管成像(3D CE-MRA)在颈部动脉血管狭窄诊断中的临床应用价值。方法对23例临床拟诊颈部动脉血管狭窄行数字减影血管造影(DSA)的患者行颈部3D CE-MRA。将两种方法检查结果进行相关性比较。结果 23例患者共230个节段血管,3D CE-MRA显示了227个节段,共诊断出74处(32.6%)狭窄,其中28处轻度狭窄,22处中度狭窄,20处重度狭窄,4处闭塞;DSA共显示了230个节段的血管,共诊断出69处(30.4%)血管狭窄,其中24处轻度狭窄,23处中度狭窄,19处重度狭窄,3处闭塞。与DSA相比,3DCE-MRA对颈部动脉轻度、中度、重度狭窄及动脉闭塞的显示敏感性均为100%,特异性分别为85.71%、90.91%、90%和75%,两种检查方法对颈部动脉狭窄程度的判断有良好的一致性(κ=0.921,P=0.000)。结论 3.0T 3DCE-MRA能够可靠的评价颈部动脉狭窄性病变,基本可以替代DSA检查。     

Non-invasive assessment of neck-vessel pathology

Clinical trials (NASCET, ECTS) have shown that carotid endarterectomy is protective against stroke in patients with symptomatic severe carotid stenosis. To decrease costs and risks, new diagnostic tools have been developed, such as duplex ultrasound (DUS), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and more recently computed tomography angiography (CTA). CTA and MRA provide excellent 3D angiography images of the extracranial vessels, using a volume-rendering technique. Digitally subtracted MRA (DSA-MRA) obtained with high-speed acquisitions during gadolinium injection has also recently become available. These techniques are changing the role of non-invasive assessment of carotid stenosis. Although it is probably too early to assess a definite diagnostic algorithm, the use of DSA as a pre-surgical tool for defining carotid stenosis is rapidly decreasing. Received: 9 February 1998; Accepted: 13 February 1998     

Evaluation of semiautomated internal carotid artery stenosis quantification from 3-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiograms

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The performance of a semiautomatic technique for internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis quantification of the internal carotid artery in contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The degree of stenosis of 52 ICAs was quantified by measuring the cross-sectional area along the center lumen line. This was performed both by 3 independent observers and the semiautomated method. The degree of stenosis was defined as the amount of cross-sectional lumen reduction. RESULTS: Agreement between the method and observers was good (weighted-kappa, kappaW = 0.89). Reproducibility of measurements of the semiautomated technique was better (kappaW = 0.97) than that of the observers (kappaW = 0.76), and the evaluated technique was considerably less time-consuming. CONCLUSIONS: Because the user interaction is limited, this technique can be used to replace an expert observer in 3-dimensional stenosis quantification of the ICA at CE-MRA in clinical practice.     

颈动脉增强对评价颈动脉斑块稳定性的作用

目的:通过分析颈动脉粥样硬化(AS)血管壁的强化特征,评价血管壁强化程度与斑块稳定性之间的关系.方法:148例临床疑为颈部血管狭窄的患者中61例行CTA、87例行CE-MRA检查,分析斑块的类型并测量邻近血管壁的强化程度以及管腔狭窄程度,评价管壁强化特征与斑块稳定性之间的关系.CTA组部分患者与DSA对照.结果:CTA组:狭窄血管74支,轻度狭窄34支,中度狭窄24支,重度狭窄19支,3支完全闭塞;软斑块32块,硬斑块25块,溃疡斑6块,软斑块处血管壁强化明显高于硬斑块,部分患者与DSA比较,二种检查方法对血管狭窄的显示无显著性差异.CE-MRA组:狭窄血管79支,轻度狭窄28支,中度狭窄33支,重度狭窄13支,5支完全闭塞;软斑块28块,硬斑块49块,血栓2块,软斑块处血管壁强化明显高于硬斑块.结论:CTA和CE-MRA在评价颈动脉粥样硬化斑块的稳定性方面各有优势,能够为临床预测缺血性脑卒中提供非常可靠准确的信息.     

非增强MRA诊断下肢动脉病变的应用研究

目的：探讨QISS非增强MRA技术诊断下肢动脉闭塞性病变的临床应用价值。方法：51例下肢动脉病变患者行双下肢QISS-MRA和CE-MRA扫描,评价两种检查方法的图像质量,并以CE—MRA为参照标准,计算QISSMRA诊断下肢动脉显著性狭窄（≥50％）的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值和诊断准确性,并以配对χ2检验分析两种检查方法对诊断下肢动脉显著性狭窄（≥50％）的差异有无统计学意义,两种检查方法的相关性采用kappa检验。结果：51例中48例成功行QISS-MRA检查,其中图像质量优、良、差者分别为40（78．43％）、8（15．69％）和3例（5．88％）。按血管节段计算,QISS-MRA诊断下肢动脉显著性狭窄的敏感度和特异度分别为90．15％和98．87％,阳性预测值和阴性预测值分别为96．75％和96．42％,总体符合率为95．91％。对于下肢动脉显著性狭窄的诊断,QISS-MRA与CE-MRA的差异无统计学意义（χ2=3．76,P〉0．05）,且两种检查方法具有极好的相关性（r值为0．950,P〈0．001）。结论：QISS-MRA检查成功率较高、图像质量良好并且诊断效果接近CE—MRA,对诊断下肢动脉闭塞性病变有一定的临床应用潜力。     

Magnetic resonance angiographic assessment of upper extremity vessels prior to vascular access surgery: feasibility and accuracy

A contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) protocol for selective imaging of the entire upper extremity arterial and venous tree in a single exam has been developed. Twenty-five end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients underwent CE-MRA and duplex ultrasonography (DUS) of the upper extremity prior to hemodialysis vascular access creation. Accuracy of CE-MRA arterial and venous diameter measurements were compared with DUS and intraoperative (IO) diameter measurements, the standard of reference. Upper extremity vasculature depiction was feasible with CE-MRA. CE-MRA forearm and upper arm arterial diameters were 2.94 ± 0.67 mm and 4.05 ± 0.84 mm, respectively. DUS arterial diameters were 2.80 ± 0.48 mm and 4.38 ± 1.24 mm; IO diameters were 3.00 ± 0.35 mm and 3.55 ± 0.51 mm. Forearm arterial diameters were accurately determined with both techniques. Both techniques overestimated upper arm arterial diameters significantly. Venous diameters were accurately determined with CE-MRA but not with DUS (forearm: CE-MRA: 2.64 ± 0.61 mm; DUS: 2.50 ± 0.44 mm, and IO: 3.40 ± 0.22 mm; upper arm: CE-MRA: 4.09 ± 0.71 mm; DUS: 3.02 ± 1.65 mm, and IO: 4.30 ± 0.78 mm). CE-MRA enables selective imaging of upper extremity vasculature in patients requiring hemodialysis access. Forearm arterial diameters can be assessed accurately by CE-MRA. Both CE-MRA and DUS slightly overestimate upper arm arterial diameters. In comparison to DUS, CE-MRA enables a more accurate determination of upper extremity venous diameters.     

Contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography of the carotid artery: comparison with conventional digital subtraction angiography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Since 1996, several preliminary studies have shown the usefulness of contrast material-enhanced MR angiography for imaging supraaortic vessels. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography with that of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the evaluation of carotid artery stenosis. METHODS: A blinded comparison of first-pass contrast-enhanced MR angiography with conventional DSA was performed in 120 patients (240 arteries). MR angiography was performed with a 1.5-T magnet with gradient overdrive equipment, by using a coronal radiofrequency-spoiled 3D fast low-angle-shot sequence after the intravenous injection of gadodiamide. The guidelines of the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial for measuring stenosis of the internal carotid artery were applied on maximum intensity projection (MIP) images and conventional catheter angiograms. RESULTS: Grading of stenoses on MR angiograms agreed with grading of stenoses on DSA images in 89% of arteries. In the severe stenosis group (70-99%), agreement was 93%. All internal carotid occlusions (n = 28) and seven of nine pseudo-occlusions were accurately detected with contrast-enhanced MR angiography. The correlation between MR angiography and DSA for determination of minimal, moderate, and severe stenoses and occlusion was statistically significant (r = 0.91, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This investigation with a large number of patients confirms that contrast-enhanced MR angiography could become a diagnostic alternative to DSA in the treatment of patients with carotid artery disease.