[2D TOF angio-MR of the thoraco-abdominal aorta. Technique and clinical applications]

The diagnostic role of Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) was investigated in the study of the thoracic and abdominal aorta. Thirty-two patients with different conditions were examined: the thoracic aorta was affected in 7 cases (3 aneurysms, 2 dissections, 2 tumors) and the abdominal aorta in 25 cases (21 aneurysms, 3 stenoses and 1 dissection). Moreover, 2 kinkings and 1 dextroposition of the thoracic aorta were observed as occasional findings, together with 15 abdominal aorta kinking cases. A 1.5-T superconductive magnet (Magnetom, Siemens) with circular polarization body coil and the 2D TOF (FL 18 degrees, TR 30 ms, TE 10 ms, ST 5 mm, 1-mm overlap) technique were used. The images acquired on the coronal and sagittal or parasagittal planes were rotated from -45 degrees to 45 degrees and from 60 degrees to 120 degrees during post-processing, according to MIP. Digital angiography was the gold standard in all cases, angiography and CT were the gold standards for aneurysms, and surgery for the lesions reaching the thoracic aorta. The 2D TOF technique allowed excellent visualization of both the thoracic and the abdominal aorta. In thoracic aorta conditions, MRA always identified aneurysms and assessed their relationship to epiaortic branchings. Moreover, MRA identified 2 cases of thoracic aorta dissection. In one case (1/2) MRA failed to depict aortic wall infiltration by tumor. In 21 abdominal aorta aneurysms, MRA always correctly demonstrated both the extent of the aneurysm and its relationships to renal and iliac arteries. Moreover, the thrombotic aneurysmal component was demonstrated, together with left renal vein course, which was retroaortic in 4 cases. Abnormal course, stenoses (2 cases) and dissection of the abdominal aorta were always identified by MRA.