Page 34 - Virtual Vascular Vol 5

MAGNETIC RESONANCE

IMAGES ANGIOGRAM (MRA)

A MRA of the lower limbs was performed
for a patient who complained of bilateral

calf intermittent claudication. On the right
side it showed multi-segment stenosis of
the superficial femoral artery (SFA) as well
as an occlusion of the distal SFA. On the left
side there is a longer segment of occlusion
of the LSFA and a short tight stenosis of the
proximal popliteal artery (arrow).

Although it is less invasive and does not

involve radiation, lower limb angiograms
such as MRA should not normally be used
as a means of primary diagnosing peripher-
al arterial disease. Much less invasive and
equally informative investigations such as
duplex ultrasound provides good informa-
tion to supplement physical examination of
the pulses. Detailed roadmapping is only
required when intervention is planned and
can be done on table. Treatment can be
angioplasty and stenting but the indication

is relative when a patient complained of
claudication only without critical ischemic
symptoms.

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