J Korean Radiol Soc.  1997 Feb;36(2):217-222.

The Usefulness of Three-Dimensional Spiral CT Angiography in the Evaluation of Atherosclerotic Diseases Involving the Arteries of the Lower Extremity

• Park SJ
• Kim JK
• Ko SW
• Jung JY
• Jeong YY
• Kim YH
• Kang HK

Abstract

PURPOSE
To assess the usefulness of three-dimensional spiral CT angiography in the diagnosis and as a guide for the treatment of arteriosclerosis obliterans of the lower extremity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
During a recent one-year period, CTA and conventional angiography were performed in 12 patients with suspected ASO. From the upper margin of the third lumbar vertebral body to below the knee joint, helical CT scanning was performed 30-45 seconds after the injection of Ultravist 370(150-180ml) by a power injector at the rate of 2.5-3.0ml/sec via the antecubital vein. The resulting data were reformatted by SSD after reconstruction of 5mm intervals, and CTA was compared with CA for site and degree of stenotic or occlusive lesion.
RESULTS
On CTA and CA, twenty-three occlusive lesions above the tibioperoneal artery were detected in 12 patients. On CA, three mild seven moderate and eight severe stenoses were seen, as well as five occlusions. There were three cases of overgrading and three of undergrading. Overall diagnostic accuracy was 73.9%(17/23). Calcifications were detected at on axial CT scanning in the two of three underestimated lesions. Migration of the thrombi was noted in one case.
CONCLUSION
CTA may be useful in the evaluation of the arteries of the lower extremities, and valuable in the planning and follow-up of treatment.

Keyword

Arteries, extremities; Computed tomography(CT), helical; Computed tomography(CT), three-dimensional

MeSH Terms

Angiography*
Arteries*
Arteriosclerosis Obliterans
Constriction, Pathologic
Diagnosis
Humans
Knee Joint
Lower Extremity*
Silver Sulfadiazine
Tomography, Spiral Computed*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Veins
Silver Sulfadiazine