Whole Body Magnetic Resonance Angiography With Subsystolic Venous Compression

WB-MRA is an examination that can evaluate the arteries from head to feet. Timing of the injected bolus of contrast medium can be difficult, especially in the legs. As the result of the WB-MRA depends on the contrast medium only being in the arteries at the time of examination, the use of venous compression is a possible way of overcoming the problem of early venous filling, that can hamper the diagnostic value of the examination. Venous compression is performed with a blod pressure cuff around the thighs. It is inflated to subsystolic pressure (45 mm Hg). This elevated pressure leads to filling of the lower leg arteries and late venous filling.

Inclusion criteria

• Symptomatic lower extremity ischemia (claudication, ischemic wounds)
• Referred to digital subtraction angiography (DSA)

Exclusion criteria

• Renal insufficiency (GFR < 30 ml/min)
• Contra-indications for MRI-examination (claustrophobia, metal-implants, pacemaker)
• Dementia
• Pregnancy/lactation
• Allergy to gadolinium based MRI contrast agents
• Acute disease