Diagnostic accuracy of time-resolved 2D projection MR angiography for symptomatic infrapopliteal arterial occlusive...

Our objective was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of time-resolved 2D projection MR angiography in detecting calf and pedal artery occlusive disease.

Time-resolved MR angiography of calf and pedal arteries was performed on 59 symptomatic legs of 52 patients using the head coil and bolus injections of 6 mL of gadolinium contrast medium. Selective X-ray digital subtraction angiography was performed within 30 days after MR angiography. Calf and pedal arteries were divided into 10 segments. X-ray digital subtraction angiography and MR angiography images were retrospectively interpreted by three expert observers, who graded segments as having no significant stenosis, significant stenosis (> 50%), or occlusion. The accuracy of MR angiography interpretations was compared with the accuracy of consensus X-ray digital subtraction angiography interpretations as the standard of reference. Arterial segments with discrepant grading on X-ray digital subtraction angiography and MR angiography were reviewed again to determine the reasons for disagreement.

Arterial phase MR angiography images free of venous contamination were obtained in every case. The agreement between MR angiography and X-ray digital subtraction angiography in depicting infrapopliteal arterial disease was fair to good (kappa = 0.44-0.92). Overall sensitivity and specificity were 83% and 87%, respectively, for detecting significant stenosis of calf and pedal arteries and 86% and 93%, respectively, for detecting occlusions. Accuracy was higher in the larger vessels-for example, calf (84%) compared with foot (71%). In 21% (22/105) of the segments graded differently on MR angiography than on X-ray digital subtraction angiography, it was believed that MR angiography was more likely to be correct than X-ray digital subtraction angiography because of visualization of late-filling arteries on MR angiography that did not opacify on X-ray digital subtraction angiography.

Time-resolved 2D projection MR angiography accurately evaluates calf and pedal arteries without degradation from venous contamination.