[2D-time-of-flight MR angiography in the diagnosis of abdominal aorta aneurysms]

In abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced CT, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) are the preoperative diagnostic methods of choice accepted today. It was the goal of this study to evaluate time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in comparison with other radiographic procedures in different types of aneurysms. In 24 patients with proven aortic aneurysm, projection angiograms (MIP algorithm) of the abdominal aorta and pelvic arteries were performed using two-dimensional gradient echo multi slice sequence (FLASH, TE/TR = 10/51 ms; three slices; breathhold technique; flip angle = 30 degrees) in coronal orientation. In addition, renal arteries were imaged in axial slices. The information provided by MRA was comparable to that of DSA (perfused vascular lumen) and contrast-enhanced CT (alteration of vascular wall). Thus dilatation, thrombus, dissection, or inflammation could be analysed safely. Extension of the aneurysm to pelvic arteries could be evaluated in most cases by rotation of the projection angiograms; ostial renal artery disease could be visualized on axial slices. If further technical improvement of MRA is presupposed, this noninvasive method may completely replace the invasive procedures of contrast-enhanced CT and DSA in the future.