The radiologic assessment of vessel wall thickness

A method allowing accurate and repeated measurements of vessel wall thickness has been developed. It consists of permanent opacification of the outer wall with tantalum in conjunction with magnification angiography. The technique was tested in a model, in human saphenous vein specimens, and in long-term experiments in rabbit blood vessels. Eighteen rabbits underwent exploratory surgery, after which the abdominal aorta, inferior vena cave, and the femoral and carotid arteries were coated with tantalum paste. Subsequently, magnification angiograms were performed from one to 14 months later. The wall thickness ranging between 100 and 300 micron was clearly visualized. While no gross inflammatory or foreign body reaction was seen, small granulomata adjacent to the blood vessels were frequently identified. The method described can be valuable in studying the natural history of the atherosclerotic process, particularly the behavior of vascular grafts.