Three-dimensional MR angiography for planning of hepatic arterial catheterization

The aim of this study is to assess the potential utility of gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional MR angiography (3D MR angiography) for arterial catheterization of hepatic tumor. Thirty-five consecutive patients with suspected abdominal tumors underwent MR angiography with a gadolinium-enhanced 3D fast gradient echo sequence. Visualization of the vascular tree of visceral arteries, and their variations, the apparent length of common hepatic artery (CHA), and the tilt of celiac trunk were prospectively evaluated by 3D MR angiography. The results were compared with those obtained by the conventional angiography. In 27 patients with hepatic tumors, the prospective planning with 3D MR angiography was compared with the actual catheterization. Celiac trunk, CHA, and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were visualized on 3D MR angiography in all 35 patients. There was a significant linear correlation of the length of CHA and the tilt of SMA as measured by 3D MR angiography and conventional angiography (r=0.75, r=0.64, respectively). The 3D MR angiography provided useful clinical information for planning of arterial catheterization in all 27 patients with hepatic tumors. Thus gadolinium-enhanced 3D MR angiography is considered to be of value for the planning of arterial catheterization of hepatic tumor. (author)