[The magnetic resonance imaging of abdominal aortic aneurysms]

The diagnostic role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was investigated in the study of abdominal aortic aneurysms and compared with that of Computed Tomography (CT) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Magnetic Resonance angiography (MRA) was performed on 21 patients with radiologically proved abdominal aortic aneurysms, using a superconductive 1.5 T magnet (GE, Signa Advantage); the 2D TOF technique with gradient-echo sequences was used (SPGR: FA 45-60 degrees, TR/TE 33/7, ST 2 mm, 1 nex, 256 x 128 matrix, inferior presaturation and flow compensation). The images acquired on the axial plane were reconstructed according to MIP and rotated on the z-axis from +90 degrees to -90 degrees. In all cases SE 2D T1- and T2-weighted sequences were acquired on the axial plane. Twelve patients were examined with MRI, CT and DSA; 3 with MRI and CT; 2 with MRI and DSA and finally 4 with MRI only. The radiologic studies were then reviewed blind and the results of the different methods compared. In all cases MRI yielded similar information to CT and DSA as to aneurysm extent and size, vessel involvement, status of visceral, iliac and common femoral arteries and finally the conditions of perianeurysmatic tissues. The authors conclude that MRI is a useful and accurate technique for the preoperative examination of abdominal aortic aneurysm patients.