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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
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.