Non-contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography Using Delta-Flow Technique in Lower Extremity Arteries on a 3.0TMR Scanner:Comparison with Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography / 中国医学影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic significance of non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (NCE-MRA) for lower extremity arterial stenosis on a 3.0T MR scanner, in order to provide a reliable method for clinical application. Materials and Methods Thirty patients with arterial disease in lower extremity underwent NCE-MRA before contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA). Image quality of the two methods was compared. The diagnostic accuracy for significant stenosis ( ≥50%) of NCE-MRA was assessed using CE-MRA as a golden standard. The consistency of the two methods in diagnosis of significant stenosis ( ≥ 50%) was analyzed. Results All patients successfully underwent both NCE-MRA and CE-MRA examination. There were 532 arterial segments detected by NCE-MRA. In the calf region, venous artifacts presented more frequently on CE-MRA (Z=4.92, P<0.01), while in the abdominal and the femoral regions, venous artifacts presented more frequently on NCE-MRA (Z=4.58 and 3.56, P<0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of NCE-MRA for the diagnosis of significant stenosis ( ≥ 50%) were 97.89%, 97.69%, 97.74%, 93.92% and 99.22%, respectively. There was good agreement (Kappa=0.94, P<0.05) between the two methods. Conclusion For the imaging of lower extremity arterial stenosis, NCE-MRA shows similar image quality and diagnostic accuracy with CE-MRA, thus can be used as an alternative method for lower extremity arterial stenosis in patients who have renal insufficiency or other contraindication of contrast media.