Peripheral vascular tree stenoses: evaluation with moving-bed infusion-tracking MR angiography

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects millions globally, necessitating effective diagnostic tools.
• Conventional angiography, while effective, is invasive and carries risks.
• Non-invasive imaging techniques are crucial for PAD assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel magnetic resonance (MR) angiographic technique for peripheral artery imaging.
• Assess the efficacy of gadolinium-enhanced moving-bed infusion-tracking MR angiography.
• Compare the new technique against conventional angiography.

Main Methods:

• Moving-bed infusion-tracking MR angiography was performed on 15 healthy volunteers and 28 patients with intermittent claudication.
• Images of lower-leg, upper-leg, and pelvic regions were acquired.
• Image quality was assessed subjectively and objectively; maximum intensity projection (MIP) images were compared to conventional angiograms.

Main Results:

• The moving-bed infusion-tracking MR angiography technique demonstrated robustness and high image quality on MIP images, comparable to conventional angiography.
• Sensitivity and specificity for grading hemodynamically significant stenoses were excellent (93% and 98%, respectively).
• High interobserver agreement was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Moving-bed infusion-tracking MR angiography is a viable, non-invasive method for imaging peripheral arteries.
• The technique allows comprehensive imaging of all peripheral arteries within 4 minutes.
• It requires minimal contrast material and can be performed on a standard 1.5-T MR imager.