Objectives: To determine the precise role of arteriography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to evaluate the peripheral vascular bed in critical ischemia of the lower limbs in candidates for distal vascularization.
Material and methods: Fifteen patients (mean age 66 +/- 18 years) underwent MRA and arteriography. In all, 23 lower limbs were studied by non-selective arteriography with aortic injection (n=12) or selective arteriography with iliofemoral injection (n=11).
Results: The strength of agreement between MRA and selective arteriography was good (k=0.75) for analysis of leg arteries. MRA was better than non-selective arteriography (p<0.035) to evaluate artery patency. In our study, only MRA improved the treatment decision.
Conclusion: In patients requiring an assessment of the peripheral vascular bed before distal revascularization, contrast-enhanced MRA can be the first exam. In case of an inadequate MRA, only selective arteriography needs to be performed.