Assessment of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms using MR angiography

Five patients with suspected dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta and nine patients with fusiform aneurysm of the abdominal aorta underwent time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography. MR angiography revealed dissecting aneurysms in four patients and a dilated ascending aorta without evidence of dissection in one patient. These findings correlated well with angiography, computed tomography and surgical findings. Proximal and distal extension as well as the relationship to vessels originating from the aortic arch was assessed correctly in all cases. There was a good correlation between MR angiography, CT, and angiography in the patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. The status of the renal arteries was shown in all patients with MR angiography, but the inferior mesenteric artery was not regularly demonstrated. MR angiography is a promising method for non-invasive assessment of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms. (orig.)