Diagnostic performance of 3.0 T High Resolution Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Carotid Stenosis: Comparative Analysis with DSA

Objective To analyze the diagnostic value of 3D contrast enhanced MR angiography(3D CE-MRA) in carotid stenosis.Methods Twenty-three patients with suspected carotid stenosis underwent 3D CE-MRA followed by digital subtraction angiography(DSA).The degree of arterial stenosis demonstrated on 3D CE MRA was compared with on the results of DSA.Results Overall,230 segments of carotid arteries in 23 patients were analyzed.227 segments of corotid arteries were distinctly displayed on 3D CE MRA.The number of segments with mild stenosis,moderate stenosis,severe stenosis and vessel occlusion was 28,22,20 and 4,respectively.DSA showed all 230 segments of arteries with high quality.The number of segments with mild stenosis,moderate stenosis,severe stenosis and vessel occlusion was 24,23,19 and 3 on DSA.According to DSA results,the sensitivity of diagnosing mild,moderate,severe stenosis and occlusion were 100%,and the specificity was 85.71%,90.91%,90% and 75%,respectively.3D CE-MRA showed high consistency with DSA in evaluating carotid stenosis(κ=0.921,P=0.000).Conclusion 3D CE-MRA may display carotid stenosis accurately.This new reliable technique has potential to take the place of DSA.