Can Magnetic Resonance Angiography and Duplex Ultrasonography Replace Contrast Arteriography?
Background and Purpose Noninvasive studies are used with increasing frequency to assess the carotid bifurcation before endarterectomy. Therefore, assessment of their diagnostic accuracies is essential for appropriate patient management. We prospectively evaluate two noninvasive tests, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and duplex ultrasonography (DU), as potential replacements for contrast arteriography (CA). Methods A blinded comparison of three-dimensional time-of-flight (TOF) MRA, two-dimensional TOF MRA, and DU in 176 arteries was performed. CA was used as the standard of comparison. Results Three-dimensional TOF MRA had a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 85%, and an accuracy of 88% for the identification of 70% to 99% stenosis; two-dimensional TOF MRA had a sensitivity and specificity that were approximately 10% lower than those of three-dimensional TOF MRA. DU resulted in a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 83%, and an accuracy of 86%. Combining data from three-dimension
Related Questions
- Can magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scans be performed without using gadolinium-based contrast agents?
- Can Magnetic Resonance Angiography and Duplex Ultrasonography Replace Contrast Arteriography?
- Can duplex ultrasound replace arteriography in screening for mesenteric ischemia?
