[Contribution of fast-sequence three-dimensional MRI angiography with Gadolinium injection in the evaluation of supra-aortic vessels].

Sixty-nine patients with cervical atherosclerotic disease were evaluated by Magnetic Resonance (MR) angiography using a coronal 3D gradient echo gadolinium enhanced sequence. The image quality was evaluated for each artery and ostium on MIP reconstructions. A comparison with conventional angiography was achieved in 27 patients. All MR examinations were assessable; a second injection was performed in ten patients. All carotid bifurcations were visualized. The ostium of the common carotid artery was not assessable in 44% of cases due to the limited coverage. The evaluation of the posterior circulation was good in 90% of cases. The agreement between MR angiography and conventional angiography was good despite a tendency to overestimate moderate stenoses. Stenoses greater than 70%, carotid occlusions and vertebral stenoses greater than 50% were correctly detected.