[Comparative value of MR-angiography, helical CT and digital angiography in the preoperative assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysms].

PURPOSE

To compare helical CT with MR angiography in pre-operative assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty patients with AAA underwent helical-CT, MR-angiography and digital angiography. All exams were interpreted independently by two groups of observers. Kappa and rho were calculated to assess correlations. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to compare each method with the "gold standard" digital angiography.

RESULTS

Inter-observer correlation was excellent. There was a very good agreement between both methods in the assessment of the maximal diameter and the proximal neck of the aneurysm. There was no significant difference in the assessment of stenoses of the visceral and iliac arteries, the number of renal arteries, and iliac extension.

CONCLUSION

Helical CT and MR angiography are equivalent in pre-operative assessment of AAA.