Clinical value of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography in the diagnosis of visceral artery aneurysms

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography (3D CE-MRA) in the diagnosis and treatment of visceral artery aneurysms. Methods Forty-three patients with visceral artery aneurysms underwent 3D CE-MRA sequence after injection of 0. 2 mmol Gd-DTPA per kg. bw. The source images were subtracted and transferred to computer workstation subsequently post-procession. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed in 19 patients simultaneously for the purpose of control study. Results There were 43 cases with 50 visceral artery aneurysms. The arteries involved were 32 splenic artery aneurysms accounting for 64% including 5 anomalously arising from superior mesenteric artery; 7 of superior mesenteric ( 14% ) ; 4 celiac ( 1 from celiomesenteric trunk), 5 of renal and 2 of hepatic. 3D CE-MRA clearly demonstrated aneurysm's location, size, morphology, and was superior to DSA in three-dimensional display of aneurysrn and its relationship with surrounding vessels and involved organs. Endovascular treatment was performed in 15 patients, surgical treatment in 9, and conservative therapy only in 19. Conclusion 3D CE-MRA is a noninvasive and accurate technique for the diagnosis of visceral artery aneurysms. Its three-dimensional anatomic information is very helpful for treatment planning. 3D CE-MRA could be used as a test of choice in the evaluation of visceral artery aneurysms. Key words: Aneurysm;  Magnetic resonance imaging;  Angiography;  Image processing, computer-assisted