Three-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography of the arch of aorta and its major branches: A comparative study with contrast angiography

The region of the arch of aorta and the intrathoracic course of its major branches was evaluated in 11 patients using three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance (MR) angiography., Abnormalities such as stenosis, occlusion, dilatation and aneurysm formation were documented in the innominate, both common carotid and both subclavian arteries. The results were compared with those of contrast angiography. There was a good correlation in 47 of the 55 arteries compared. There were five false positive results including overestimation of a stenosis, and three false negative results including underestimation of a stenosis. MR angiography had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 89% for correctly detecting or excluding an abnormality. These results suggest that three-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography demonstrates lesions in the major branches of the arch of aorta fairly accurately and will prove useful in the initial evaluation and in follow up studies.