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At least 397 records · Page 22Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

[Exploration of the origin of supra-aortic arterial trunk: can MR angiography with gadolinium injection replace digital angiography?].

Ostial stenosis of the craniocervical vessels are frequently associated with carotid stenosis. Consequently, exploration of the aortic arch is necessary prior to carotid endarterectomy. Contrast-enhanced MR angiography (gRMA) could replace digital substraction angiography (DSA). The goal of this work was to evaluate gRMA for the detection of ostial stenosis of the craniocervical vessels. Twenty two patients with carotid stenosis > 50% on sonography examination prospectively underwent gRMA and DSA. We analyzed the overall quality of each gRMA and the degree of ostial stenosis of the craniocervical vessels (innominate, left carotid, subclavian and vertebral arteries). Thirteen gRMA examination was considered as good quality and 8 as adequate for diagnosis. There was significant correlation between gRMA and DSA for degree of stenosis (k = 0.82, p < 0.0001). gRMA tends to overestimate degree of ostial stenosis, especially for vertebral arteries. We conclude that gRMA is a promising tool but cannot yet be used as a stand-alone procedure for the evaluation of ostial stenosis of the craniocervical vessels.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Overestimation of carotid artery stenosis with magnetic resonance angiography compared with digital subtraction angiography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is generally considered to overestimate the degree of stenosis in the internal carotid artery (ICA) in comparison with the reference standard intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA). We evaluated whether the degree of stenosis was more accurately assessed with 3D TOF MRA if corresponding projections on MRA and DSA were compared instead of comparison of maximal stenosis at MRA with maximal stenosis at DSA. METHODS: From February 1997 to December 1999, we included 186 symptomatic and 17 asymptomatic consecutive patients suspected of having carotid artery stenosis on the basis of clinical presentation and screening with duplex ultrasound scan examination. All patients subsequently underwent DSA and MRA imaging. From each ICA, 12 maximum intensity projections with 3D TOF MRA and two or three projections with DSA were obtained. First, we compared the maximal stenosis at MRA with the maximal stenosis at DSA. Subsequently, we used the stenosis at MRA measured on the projection corresponding with the DSA projection that showed the maximal stenosis. For both strategies, the mean differences in stenosis and sensitivity and specificity for assessment of severe stenosis (70% to 99%) were calculated and compared. RESULTS: The MRA and DSA images of 354 ICAs could be compared. The sensitivity and specificity of MRA with the projection that showed the maximal stenosis were 92.6% (95% CI, 85.3% to 97.0%) and 82.7% (95% CI, 78.1% to 87.3%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity with the MRA projection, corresponding with the DSA projection showing the maximal stenosis, were 88.3% (95% CI, 81.8% to 94.8%) and 89.6% (95% CI, 85.9% to 93.3%), respectively. The mean difference between maximal stenosis at MRA and DSA was 7.5% (95% CI, 5.2% to 9.9%). The mean difference between stenosis at MRA and DSA in corresponding projections was 0.4% (95% CI, -2.0% to 2.7%). CONCLUSION: If corresponding MRA and intraarterial DSA projections are compared, 3D TOF MRA does not overestimate carotid stenosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Peripheral arterial disease. Contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography of the lower leg and foot compared with conventional angiography.

PURPOSE: To determine whether contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography (CE MRA) could replace digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the evaluation of atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease of the lower leg and foot. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with symptoms of atherosclerotic disease of the leg were examined prospectively with CE MRA of the foot and the lower legs as well as with DSA from the aorta to the pedal arches. The MRA technique was focused on optimal imaging of the arteries of the foot. RESULTS: The agreement between CE MRA and DSA for grading of stenosis was moderate to good (weighted kappa-values 0.48-0.80). The sensitivity of CE MRA for detection of significant stenosis (> or = 50%) was 92% and the specificity was 64% with DSA as gold standard. CONCLUSION: CE MRA is a fairly accurate method for the demonstration of atherosclerotic disease below the knee including the pedal arches. It can replace DSA for the assessment of distal arteries in patients with impaired renal function. However, image quality and resolution still needs to be improved before CE MRA can become the method of choice in all patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

[Can MR angiography (MRA) replace conventional diagnostic angiography?].

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a reliable and accurate tool for imaging the vascular tree. In the current state of the art, most of the vascular pathologies can be accurately diagnosed by MRA using MR machines equipped with very fast pulse sequences and highly sensitive gradients. This modality can replace conventional angiography and the use of iodine, thus reducing the morbidity of invasive iodinated contrast based procedures.

Angiography↗
PubMed2003

Assessment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease: comparison of multislice-CT angiography (MS-CTA) and intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA).

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the arterial vascular system of the lower extremities in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease using Multislice-CT angiography (MS-CTA) and to compare the results with the standard of reference, intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: MS-CTA and IA-DSA of the lower extremities were carried out on 23 patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (Fontain Stage IIb: 18, III: 3, IV: 2). MS-CTA comprised a 4 x 2.5 mm collimation, 15 mm table feed/rotation, 0.5 sec rotation time and 3 mm slice thickness (1.5 mm reconstruction increment). Delay time was determined by bolus tracking. 150 ml of contrast media were injected intravenously at a flow rate of 3 ml/sec. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) reformations were performed using a semi-automatic vessel tracking program. MS-CTA (axial and MIP-reformatted images) and IA-DSA were reviewed by two radiologists. The grade of vascular stenosis as well as occlusion were rated on a scale of 0 to 3 (0=0-50% stenosis, 1 = 51-75% stenosis, 2 = 76-99% stenosis, 3 = occlusion). RESULTS: For MS-CTA, the mean delay time was 30.2 s (23-40 s), mean scan time was 37.4 (33-42 s). Data analysis was based upon a total of 1136 vascular segments for both methods (568 each). A comparison of all the evaluated segments in both techniques revealed a MS-CTA / IA-DSA 86.3% match. Out of 442 segments proximal the trifurcation, 386 were correctly assessed in MS-CTA (87.3%) and distal the trifurcation, 101 out of 126 segments were rated correctly (80.2%). In MS-CTA, an overall confidence interval of 95% can be achieved in 83.2% to 89.0% for correctly rated stenosis grading. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease, MS-CTA of the lower extremity is a promising minimal-invasive method for detection of relevant arterial stenoses. However, the technique was limited to routine diagnostic purposes due to severe calcifications and time consuming reconstruction procedures.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Detection of coronary artery stenoses using breath-hold magnetic resonance coronary angiography. Comparison with conventional x-ray angiography.

PURPOSE: To detect coronary artery stenoses, we compare breath-hold magnetic resonance coronary angiography (MRCA) to conventional coronary angiography (CA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five patients with suspected coronary artery disease underwent MRCA and CA within one week. MRCA examination was performed by using the two-dimensional (2D) breath-hold technique with a fast spoil gradient-echo sequence/spiral. Each imaging sequence was obtained within one breath-hold in expiration (14 seconds of apnoea). The assessment of coronary artery stenoses on magnetic resonance (MR) angiograms was independently performed by two blinded readers and compared to conventional CA images. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety segments were evaluated by the two imaging techniques. MRCA correctly detected 76 of 88 (86%) stenoses, and recognized 242 of 302 (80%) not affected segments. The Pearson correlation coefficient between MRCA and CA in assessing coronary narrowings was very high: r = 0.85. Despite this the mean difference was 4.5 with a standard error of estimate of 0.21, indicating that MRCA slightly overestimates the degree of stenoses. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that 2D breath-hold MRCA is an accurate technique in displaying and quantifying the most significant stenoses in the proximal and middle segments of the coronary arteries.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Modified magnetic resonance angiography of the liver using sensitivity encoding in comparison with digital subtraction angiography and CT arterial portography.

BACKGROUND: Over 355 patients have received orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) at this hospital since 1993. Preoperative imaging studies of both hepatic vessels and parenchyma in these recipients bettered surgical planning or even precluded the necessity of surgery. Here we report our preliminary results of modified magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using sensitivity encoding (SENSE) through comparative study with conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and CT arterial portography (CTAP). METHODS: Sixteen patients with suspected liver diseases were included in the study. All of them received both dynamic MRI of the liver using SENSE and digital DSA with CTAP within a two-week interval. The four-phase MRA was reconstructed from source images of the coronal dynamic study. The arterial phase of the modified MRA was compared with DSA in the evaluation of hepatic arteries and the portal phase compared with CT portography reconstructed from source images of CTAP. In dynamic study of the liver, a fixed dose (20 ml) of contrast medium and scan timing were used. RESULTS: The main branches and variations of the hepatic arterial system were well shown on the modified MRA, although the marginal branches of hepatic arteries were of poor quality. The figures of portal veins on MRA were as clear as or superior to those of CTAP. In addition, the suprarenal inferior vena cava (IVC) was well demonstrated on MRA and/or non contrast-enhanced coronal balanced fast-field echo (b-FFE) scan sequence in most cases. MRI detected most parenchymal lesions of the liver and hemodynamics of these lesions could be evaluated on source images of the modified MRA. MRI/MRA also serendipitously revealed several extrahepatic disease entities or variations that were not found on DSA/CTAP. CONCLUSIONS: The modified MRA using SENSE is a cost-effective modality of examination for the demonstration of the whole hepatic vascular system. Combined with MRI, it has the potential as a one-stop imaging modality in the preoperative evaluation in fields such as OLT.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

MR angiography at 3T versus digital subtraction angiography in the follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated with detachable coils.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is used to follow-up intracranial aneurysms treated with detachable coils to identify recurrence and determine need for additional treatment. However, DSA is invasive and involves a small risk of neurologic complications. We assessed the feasibility and usefulness of 3D time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography (MRA) performed at 3T compared with DSA for the follow-up of coil-treated intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: In a prospective study, 20 consecutive patients with 21 intracranial aneurysms treated with coils underwent DSA and nonenhanced and enhanced multiple overlapping thin-slab acquisition 3D TOF MRA at 3T on the same day at a mean follow-up of 6 months (range, 4-14 months) after coil placement. MRA images were evaluated for presence of artifacts, presence and size of aneurysm remnants and recurrences, patency of parent and branch vessels, and added value of contrast material enhancement. MRA and DSA findings were compared. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement of MRA was good, as was agreement between MRA and DSA. All three recurrences that needed additional treatment were detected with MRA. Minor disagreement occurred in four cases: three coil-treated aneurysms were scored on MRA images as having a small remnant, whereas on DSA images these aneurysms were occluded; the other aneurysm was scored on MRA images as having a small remnant, whereas on DSA images this was a small recurrence. Use of contrast material had no additional value. Coil-related MR imaging artifacts were minimal and did not interfere with evaluation of the occlusion status of the aneurysm. CONCLUSION: High-spatial-resolution 3D TOF MRA at 3T is feasible and useful in the follow-up of patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with coil placement.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

3D cerebral angiography: radiation dose comparison with digital subtraction angiography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: As the use of 3D rotational angiography (3D RA) for the evaluation of cerebral vasculature becomes more widespread, it is important to evaluate this imaging method's effect on patient radiation dose. The purpose of the study is to measure 3D RA radiation dose as compared with biplanar digital subtraction angiography (DSA). METHODS: The distribution and peak skin dose were measured for 3D RA and biplanar DSA by using an anthropomorphic skull phantom. In addition, the cumulative incident dose, summed over all images in each acquisition, was determined. Measurements were acquired for our facility's standard 3D RA acquisition mode (25 degrees /s rotational speed; 162 total frames) and other available acquisition mode selections. RESULTS: For 3D RA, the skin dose was found to be distributed across the back and sides of the skull with the peak skin dose located at the center of the back of the skull. The peak skin dose for the standard 3D RA acquisition mode was 15 mGy. For a biplanar DSA run, the peak skin dose was 58 mGy, also located at the back of the skull. The cumulative incident dose for the standard 3D RA acquisition mode was 33 mGy, compared with 53 mGy for biplanar DSA. CONCLUSION: The patient radiation dose for 3D RA is significantly lower than for biplanar DSA, by nearly a factor of 4 in peak skin dose and 40% lower in cumulative incident dose.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗
PubMed2006

Multidetector-row CT angiography of cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: comparison of volume-rendered images and digital subtraction angiography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral vasospasm remains a major problem in patients recovering after surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cerebral vasospasm at multidetector-row spiral CT angiography (MDCTA) compared with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs). METHODS: Seventeen patients suspected of having vasospasm on clinical findings underwent both postoperative MDCTA and DSA. MDCTA was analyzed by using volume-rendered images as well as axial images. A total of 251 arterial segments were analyzed for vasospasm by using a 5-point grading system. The MDCTA results were then compared with findings on the corresponding DSA images. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MDCTA for detection of hemodynamically significant spasms were also calculated, with findings at DSA used as the reference standard. RESULTS: On DSA, 74 spasmatic segments were found among the 251 segments evaluated, and 40 segments with hemodynamically significant vasospasms were present. The overall agreement between MDCTA and DSA was 95.2%. We had 12 (4.8%) cases of disagreement between MDCTA and DSA. In 11 segments, the degree of stenosis was overestimated at MDCTA. Overall accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of MDCTA in the detection of hemodynamically significant vasospasm were 97.5%, 98.1%, and 98.0%, respectively, with positive and negative predictive values of 90.7% and 99.5%. CONCLUSION: MDCTA appears to be a reliable alternative imaging technique to DSA in the assessment of patients with cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal SAH.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Subtracted 3D CT angiography for evaluation of internal carotid artery aneurysms: comparison with conventional digital subtraction angiography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: 3D computed tomographic angiography (3DCTA) has been used recently for the evaluation of intracerebral aneurysms, but it is difficult to use this technique to visualize aneurysms near the base of the skull because of the presence of bone. Subtracted 3DCTA could replace digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for evaluation of aneurysms near the base of the skull if the 2 methods were to give similar results. The aim of this study was to compare the evaluation of aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA) near the base of the skull by subtracted 3DCTA and DSA. METHODS: CTA and DSA were obtained in 25 patients with unruptured aneurysms of the ICA. To create subtracted 3DCTA images, we used a volume subtraction (VS) method, wherein nonenhanced volume data are subtracted from enhanced volume data. CTA and DSA were reviewed by 2 neuroradiologists who performed the detection and characterization of aneurysms of the ICA by using 2D multiplanar reformatted (MPR) and VS- and nonsubtracted (NS)-3DCTA images with volume rendering techniques. RESULTS: DSA detected 29 aneurysms in the 25 patients. VS-3DCTA detected all 29 aneurysms in the 25 patients and was equivalent to DSA for evaluating their characteristics (location, size, and direction). NS-3DCTA detected 19 (1 cavernous, 4 ophthalmic, 1 superior hypophyseal, 7 posterior communicating, and 6 anterior choroidal artery) of these 29 aneurysms, but it could not characterize ophthalmic and superior hypophyseal artery aneurysms because they were only partly visible on NS-3DCTA because of bony structures. 2D-MPR images detected all but the small aneurysms (24 of 29 detected). VS-3DCTA and 2D-MPR could visualize all branching arteries (ophthalmic, posterior communicating, and anterior choroidal) detected by DSA, but NS-3DCTA could not visualize ophthalmic arteries because of the presence of bony structures. CONCLUSION: VS-3DCTA can be used as an alternative to DSA for preoperative examination of aneurysms near the skull base, where it provides equivalent identification and characterization.

Adult↗
PubMed2007

Detection and characterization of intracranial aneurysms with 16-channel multidetector row CT angiography: a prospective comparison of volume-rendered images and digital subtraction angiography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to compare multidetector row CT angiography (MDCTA) with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the detection and characterization of intracranial aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our blinded prospective study, 85 patients with suspected intracranial aneurysm (47 women, 38 men; age range, 19-83 years) underwent both 16-channel MDCTA and DSA. The MDCT angiograms were interpreted for the presence, location, size, ratio of the neck to the dome (N/D ratio), and lobularity of the aneurysms and relationship of the aneurysm with the adjacent arterial branches, by using volume-rendering techniques. MDCTA and DSA images (reference standard) were interpreted by 2 independent readers, and the results were compared. RESULTS: A total of 93 aneurysms were detected at DSA in 71 patients, whereas no aneurysms were detected in 14 patients. Compared with DSA, the overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MDCTA on a per-aneurysm basis were 92.5%, 93.3%, and 92.6%, respectively, for both independent readers. For aneurysms of <3 mm, however, MDCTA had a sensitivity of 74.1% for reader 1 and 77.8% for reader 2. There was excellent agreement between readers in the detection of aneurysms (kappa = 0.822). In addition, MDCTA was also accurate in determining N/D ratio of aneurysms, aneurysm lobularity, and adjacent arterial branches. CONCLUSION: MDCTA is accurate in the detection and characterization of intracranial aneurysms and can be used as a reliable alternative imaging technique to DSA in selected cases.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Polar presentation of coronary angiography and thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography. A method for comparing anatomic and pathologic findings in coronary angiography with isotope distribution in thallium-201 myocardial SPECT.

Individual results of coronary angiography were compared with tomographic myocardial scintigraphy (SPECT) in 99 patients. Coronary angiography findings were transferred to polar maps. Borders between arteries were assigned angles in a coordinate system constructed as a compass-rose. Areas perfused by different arteries were described by sectors. Findings were visually compared with the perfusion defects in a polar presentation of thallium-201 SPECT also described by angles. The mean values and SD for the angles representing arterial borders and perfusion defects were presented. The left ventricular myocardium was perfused by 3 coronary arteries in 92/99 patients. Dominant left artery was present in 7/99 patients; 79 perfusion defects were related to 118 arterial sectors 84 per cent had totally or partially matched stenotic arteries. Inter-individual differences in distribution of coronary arteries influence the localization of perfusion defects in myocardial SPECT and can be estimated with this polar presentation method.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The risk and cost of coronary angiography. I. Cost of coronary angiography in Washington State.

The National Guidelines for Health Planning require 300 cardiac studies per year in cardiac catheterization laboratories for adequate economic use and safety. To study how these guidelines would affect existing laboratories, data were collected on the cost of coronary angiography and use of all cardiac catheterization laboratories in Washington. The average cost of coronary angiography was $1,363, with the total cost affected by the duration of hospital stay, cardiac laboratory charges, and professional fees. Total angiographic use ranged from 293 to 791 studies per room, but eight laboratories did not perform 300 cardiac studies during 1977. Health planners recommend high use rates based on the theory that there is an inverse correlation between the number of studies and cost. In this study, the regression equation showed no fall in charges with increased number of studies. Therefore, while it may be reasonable from an economic point of view to expect 300 angiographic cases per year in existing laboratories, there is no economic justification for requiring a certain number of cardiac studies per year.

Angiography↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The risk and cost of coronary angiography. II. The risk of coronary angiography in Washington State.

The risk of coronary angiography has been decreasing since development of the procedure 19 years ago. Deaths resulting from angiography now occur only in high-risk clinical circumstances. Whether a certain case load per angiographer or laboratory is necessary for adequate safety is still a question. Even though little available data exist on the relationship of case loads to risk, the National Guidelines for Health Planning now require 300 cardiac catheterizations per laboratory per year and forbid development of new laboratories in hospitals without heart surgery programs. Data collected from all 16 laboratories in Washington showed 26 deaths (0.19%) during 14,050 coronary angiograms. Eighteen of those who died had a severe left main coronary obstruction, and three had severe triple-vessel disease. There were 18 myocardial infarctions (0.13%) and nine strokes (0.06%). The risks in hospitals without cardiac surgery programs and in hospitals performing fewer than 200 cases per year were no higher than in the other hospitals studied. The National Guidelines should be reevaluated before they are used to change the existing pattern of health care.

Angiography↗
PubMed1995

Noninvasive assessment of renal artery stenosis. A comparison of MR angiography, color Doppler sonography, and intraarterial angiography.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate MR angiography (MRA) and color Doppler sonography as noninvasive screening methods in suspected renovascular hypertension. Fifty-five consecutive patients with arterial hypertension were examined prospectively using high resolution 3-D TOF MRA and color Doppler sonography. Intraarterial angiography was the standard of reference. Stenoses of 60% or more were regarded as significant. MR angiograms were evaluated by 3 independent observers who studied 110 main renal arteries. All 8 significant stenoses and 2 occlusions were correctly classified with MRA while one 60% stenosis was underestimated by color Doppler sonography. Mild stenoses were overestimated by MRA in 4 and by color Doppler sonography in 6 cases. A drawback of both methods was the large number of not evaluable arteries (6 in MRA, 11 in color Doppler sonography). These arteries were regarded as pathologic because stenosis could not be excluded. Due to this fact specificities of MRA and color Doppler sonography were 90% and 85% respectively. Accessory vessels were detected in 47% (8/17) by MRA and in 0% (0/17) by color Doppler sonography.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Comparative study of magnetic resonance angiography, digital subtraction angiography, duplex ultrasound examination with surgical and histological findings of atherosclerotic carotid bifurcation disease.

This study was designed in order to determine the diagnostic accuracy in imaging of the extracranial arteries by using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), B-mode duplex ultrasonic examination (DUE) in comparison with the surgical and histological findings of the specimen removed after endarterectomy. The degree of stenosis of the arterial lumen of the surgical specimen was compared with the imaging findings of MRA, DSA and DUE: a) the degree of agreement of stenosis with histologic findings was found in 89% of cases for MRA, in 93% for DSA and 88% for DUE; b) the correlation of morphology of the plaque showed agreement in 91% of the cases with MRA, in 94% with DSA and 87% with DUE; c) the constitution of the plaque was in agreement with DUE findings in 96% of cases. There is no significant difference between the three methods, as far as the estimation of degree of carotid stenosis and morphology of the atheromatous plaque in the carotid arteries. MRA findings are similar with those of DSA and DUE with a high sensitivity and specificity concerning the constitution of the plaque. The combination of MRA and DUE provides all the necessary information concerning the extracranial segments of the cerebral arteries for the preoperative evaluation of patients with carotid disease.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗
PubMed1997

[Fast cine MR coronary angiography compared with conventional coronary angiography: criteria for coronary artery stenosis].

Magnetic resonance coronary angiography (MRA) was performed in 5 healthy volunteers and 13 patients to evaluate its diagnostic capability. Ten to 15 continuous cross sections were obtained for each coronary artery using fast cardiac cine MR (FASTCARD) with breath-hold, and reconstructed images were made. The control study showed good demonstration of the left main, proximal left anterior descending (Seg. 6) and proximal right (Seg. 1, 2) coronary arteries. Abnormal findings were classified as interruption, stenosis (severe or mild), irregularity, or decreased signal, and they were compared with the findings of conventional angiography in proximal segments (Seg. 1,2,5,6). Twelve of 15 lesions with significant stenosis (> 75%) were depicted as interruption or severe stenosis (sensitivity 80%). The sensitivity was 100% (6 of 6 lesions) in the right coronary artery and 67% (6 of 9 lesions) in the left coronary artery. The positive predictive value was 75% (12 of 16). Comparison at each segment revealed that the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for interruption or severe stenosis were 92%, 79%, and 86%, respectively, for severe stenosis (> 90%), and 85%, 79%, and 83% for significant stenosis (> 75%). Interruption or severe stenosis on MRA is presumed to be an appropriate criterion for the detection of significant stenosis in the proximal coronary artery.

Adult↗