Imaging of peripheral arteries by 16-slice CT angiography: a valuable tool?

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the efficacy of multislice [16-slice] computed tomography [MSCT] in imaging the upper and lower limb arterial tree in trauma and peripheral vascular disease. 33 patients underwent CT angiography of the upper or the lower limb on multislice [16-slice] CT scanner. The findings were retrospectively compared with the surgical outcome in cases of trauma with suspected arterial injuries; or with colour Doppler for patients with peripheral vascular disease, CT angiography allowed a comprehensive diagnostic work-up in all trauma patients with suspected arterial injuries. In the 23 cases of peripheral vascular diseases, CT angiography adequately demonstrated the presence of any stenosis or occlusion, its degree and extent, the presence of collaterals and distal reformation if any and the presence of plaques. Our initial experience of CT angiography with multislice [16 slice] CT scanner has clearly demonstrated its efficacy as a promising, new, fast, accurate, safe and non-invasive imaging modality of choice in cases of trauma with suspected arterial injuries; and as a useful screening modality in cases of peripheral vascular diseases for diagnosis and for grading