Magnetic resonance imaging of large vessel vasculitis

Conventional x-ray angiography has traditionally played a prominent role in the radiologic evaluation of large vessel vasculitis. Recently, noninvasive magnetic resonance (MR) methods have received much attention for their potential to complement and possibly supplant conventional angiography. In particular, promising advances have been made in the areas of MR angiography and physiologic imaging. MR provides high resolution anatomic information, including lumen configuration and vascular wall thickness, and physiologic data, such as measurements of the degree of wall enhancement and the presence of edema. Moreover, imaging data are obtained noninvasively in a multitude of obliquities. Owing to these features, MR occupies a unique role in the evaluation of large vessel vasculitis.