The accuracy of magnetic resonance angiography in the assessment of extracranial carotid artery occlusive disease

Abstract

The accuracy of two-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in judging diameter narrowing of the extracranial carotid artery was studied using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the gold standard. Particular attention was paid to the specificity of the technique for 70-90% diameter stenoses. MRA and DSA examinations of 90 cervical carotid arteries were graded independently by 2 blinded readers. The examinations were compared in the categories 0-29, 30-69, 70-99 and 100% diameter narrowing (NASCET measurements). Overestimation of the degree of stenosis measured angiographically resulted in MRA sensitivity estimates of 77.8% for 0-29% angiographic stenosis and 31%..