MR angiography of lower extremity

MR angiography by ECG-gated 2D rephase-dephase subtraction method was performed in normal volunteers (n=14) and patients with arterial or venous vascular disease of lower extremities (n=36). Results were compared to digital subtraction angiography or conventional film angiography. In normal cases, superficial femoral and popliteal arteries were well demonstrated by angiography whereas visualization of intrapelvic portion of the arteries was often impaired by mortion artifacts from bowel loops. Diagnostic results of MR angiography and digital or conventional angiography were in agreement in 92.3% of obstructive arteriosclerotic disease, 87.0% of post by-pass graft surgery, and 85.7% of cases in which deep vein thrombosis was clinically suspected. Considering its virtually noninvasive nature, MR angiography can be a valuable screening method in vascular diseases of lower extremities and also in post operative evaluation of by-pass graft surgery. Further technical advancements are expected. (author)