[MR angiography of peripheral blood vessels]

MR angiography (MRA) of the extremities is in its infancy. The potential appears to be great, but several problems have to be solved before MRA can routinely be used as the definitive diagnostic procedure. MRA can detect arterial stenoses, occlusions, and determine their length. The degree of stenosis, however, is overestimated. Although the spatial resolution of MRA allows depiction of the tibial vessels, evaluation of their major branches is necessary for distal bypass surgery. The postoperative examination of patients with bypasses seems to be a practical alternative with regard to the established angiography techniques. At present, MRA is cost-effective, but not as readily available as conventional angiography. MRA technology continues to advance rapidly. With improved technology, judicious use, and appropriate patient selection, in the future MRA should assume a role in the evaluation of peripheral arterial occlusive disease.