Purpose: We report an initial experience with 24 patients studied between March 1990 and April 1992 with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for lower extremity occlusive disease.
Methods: All patients underwent vascular intervention with either balloon angioplasty or bypass grafting, and in six patients this intervention was based on MRA findings alone. Eighteen patients were studied with both MRA and contrast arteriography, and there was observed agreement between the two studies in 98% of all arterial segments examined.
Results: Agreement between MRA and contrast arteriography was uniform for arterial segments below the inguinal ligament. Intraoperative findings and favorable early results of seven bypass grafts performed in six patients after MRA alone suggested this was a valid approach for patients at prohibitive risk of complications from contrast arteriography.
Conclusions: Magnetic resonance angiography is accurate in demonstrating relevant anatomy in peripheral arterial occlusive disease and in selected patients may eliminate the need for contrast arteriography before lower extremity revascularization.