Abstract #1952

Pirovano G, Coulden R, Thurnher S, Iezzi R, Anzalone N, Scialfa G

238 patients with suspected carotid artery disease underwent MRA and DSA examinations within 2 weeks. 2D-TOF MRA was performed before and 3D spoiled gradient-echo MRA after the administration of 0.1 mmol/kg gadobenate dimeglumine. According to 4 experienced reviewers (3 MRA, 1 DSA), more segments were technically adequate on CE-MRA than 2D-TOF MRA. Contrast use significantly decreased the technical failure rate for all 3 readers (p<0.001). Sensitivity for detecting significant ( 60%) stenoses ranged from 56.6% to 76.3% and from 57.9% to 86.3% for 2D TOF MRA and CE-MRA, respectively. Specificity increased from 81-83% to 89.5-93.6% and accuracy from 78.3-82.2% to 87.8-89.7 for CE-MRA as compared to 2D TOF MRA.