Multidetector-row CT angiography of upper- and lower-extremity peripheral arteries

With the introduction of multidetector-row CT (MDCT) technology indications for MDCT angiography have expanded to include assessment of the peripheral arteries of the upper and lower extremities. Combined with patient- and scanner-adjusted CT data acquisition and contrast medium application strategies, an accurate and reliable evaluation of the peripheral arteries of the upper and lower extremities is possible. MDCT angiography is cost-effective and accurate for detection of arterial stenosis and occlusion in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). MDCT angiography allows postoperative assessment of peripheral arterial bypass grafts, including bypass graft stenosis and occlusion, as well as presence of aneurysms or arteriovenous fistulas. In addition, MDCT angiography is helpful in particular for visualization of arterial bypass grafts with a complicated extra-anatomical course. Furthermore, pre-operative peripheral vascular mapping can be performed by using MDCT angiography. Finally, due to the integration of MDCT scanners in many trauma centres, MDCT angiography is increasingly being used for assessment of traumatic arterial injuries. This article gives an overview of technical aspects of peripheral MDCT angiography, including scanning parameters, contrast medium application, image postprocessing and radiation exposure, and summarizes the most frequent acute and non-acute indications of MDCT angiography for assessment of the upper- and lower-extremity peripheral arteries.