Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography Following Subintimal Recanalization.

Purpose: To describe the appearance of lower extremity runoff vessels following subintimal recanalization (SIR) on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (ceMRA) and compare 2 different ceMRA techniques. Methods: A total of 6 patients underwent stepping table 3-dimensional (3D) ceMRA and time-resolved 2-dimensional (2D) MRA within 1 to 3 days (mean 1.83 days) following SIR. The 2 techniques were compared with intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Results: A total of 15 arteries were recanalized in 6 patients. Three-dimensional ceMRA allowed evaluation of patency in all segments above the knee. Postprocedural hyperemia impaired the assessment of the trifurcation vessels on 3D ceMRA. Due to its higher temporal res- olution 2D MRA was not affected by venous contamination and allowed reliable confirmation of patency of the recanalized vessels. Conclusions: Diagnostic MRA studies of the lower extremity runoff vessels following SIR is possible, but a hybrid technique using a stepping table MR DSA and a time-resolved sequence like 2D MRA of the calf station is necessary for runoff assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]