Rofo 2014; 186 - WI_PO14
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1373575

Clinical assessment of vascular and extra-vascular pathologies in patients undergoing magnetic resonance angiography of the abdomen, pelvis and lower extremities

JM Sohns 1, W Staab 1, J Menke 1, JE Spiro 2, L Bergau 3, JT Kowallick 1, A Schwarz 1, B Panahi 1, M Fasshauer 1, M Dorenkamp 4, C Sohns 3, J Lotz 1
  • 1UMG Göttingen, Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionell Radiologie, Göttingen
  • 2University Hospital of Cologne, Diagnostic Radiology, Cologne
  • 3UMG Göttingen, Cardiology and Pneumology, Göttingen
  • 4Charité University Hospital Berlin, Cardiology, Berlin

Aim of this study was to assess the incidence and clinical role of vascular and extra-vascular findings in patients undergoing magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the abdomen, pelvis and lower extremities.

352 patients (61 ± 10 years, male 65%) underwent abdominal, pelvic and lower extremity 1.5 Tesla MRA and clinical relevant vascular and extra-vascular findings were identified. Relevant vascular findings were classified as stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm, sclerosis, dissection or vasculitis. Relevant extra-vascular findings were categorized as “safe” (Group A), intermediate – requiring additional investigation – (Group B) and malignant/endangering – requiring change of therapy (Group C).

A total of 2152 clinical relevant vascular findings was identified (6.1/patient). The main vascular findings were femoral artery stenosis (10.6%). 451 extra-vascular findings were observed (1.3/patient) and classified into Group A (78%), Group B (19.5%) and Group C findings (2.4%). The main malignant findings were lung cancer, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma observed in 7/352 patients.

This study with a large number of patients raises awareness to spectrum of findings visible on MRA studies which should improve patient care.