The clinical value of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography in abdominal aortic aneurysms

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography (3D CE-MRA) and its 3D reconstruction in the diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Methods: Sixty-three patients with clinically diagnosed AAA underwent 3D CE-MRA combined with other sequences. 3D CE-MRA was performed with a 3D FISP sequence(TR, TE, FA=3.64 ms, 1.44 ms, 25 degrees, matrix=196 x 512, eff. slice=1.8 mm, FOV 30 cm x 40 cm, acquisition time=18-20 s) after injection of 0.2 mmol Gd-DTPA per kg b. w. A bolus-test was done before angiography to optimize imaging delay time. After 3D CE-MRA a T1-weighted sequence was acquired on the axial plane. The source images were subtracted from mask images and transferred to computer workstation, and subsequently post-processed using 3D reconstruction. All sequences were used to depict the type, location, extent, and thrombosis of the AAA, the morphology of its proximal neck, the distal aortoiliac inflow tract, and the relationship with the branches of aorta. The length, diameter, and angle of the aneurysm sac, and proximal and distal arteries were measured. The clinical role was evaluated for treatment planning. Results: High-quality 3D CE-MRA/MRI images were obtained in all patients. Among them, fifty-six had infrarenal AAA, five juxtarenal AAA, and two AAA with suprarenal extension. The mean diameter of aneurysms was 5.3 cm. The thrombosis was thicker than 2.0 cm in 26 patients. 3D CE-MRA clearly demonstrated the morphology and extent of AAA, and its proximal neck and distal aortoiliac inflow tract. The accurate parameters needed by endovascular treatment were gained simultaneously. Aneurysm and its neck depiction at 3D CE-MRA was better than that at DSA. The endovascular and surgical treatment were selected according the images (31 endovascular treatment, 4 surgical treatment, 28 conservative treatment only). The parameters at 3D CE-MRA coincided well with those at DSA in all cases (P>0.1). Conclusion: 3D CE-MRA with MRI is highly accurate and without ionizing radiation and nephrotoxicity. It could be the most improtant imaging modality for AAA and has extremely high clinical value. (authors)