[Spiral CT angiography after the application of an iliac artery stent]

To evaluate the diagnostic and clinical value of CT-A performing MIP- and SSD-reformations after intraarterial iliac stent application.

In a prospective study 32 patients underwent CT-A after stent placement in the iliac arteries. The vascular morphology was analyzed regarding neointimal hyperplasia and calcification pattern. The results were compared with those of clinical findings (walking distance), Doppler ultrasound (ankle-brachial index) and DSA.

All 47 stents were visible and patent (100%). One misplacement was identified. A good correlation was found between an improved ankle-brachial index and CT-A (88.5%) and extension of the walking distance and CT-A (92.3%). Concerning location, number and grade of stenoses the results between CT-A and DSA matched in 42.1%. An exact mapping of calcified plaques was possible in all cases.

CT-A as MIP is shown to be superior than DSA with regard to calcifications. Complementary to the indirect methods of the ankle-brachial index and walking distance, CT-A is useful for therapy control after vascular stent placement.