Atherosclerotic Peripheral Vascular Disease Symposium II: vascular magnetic resonance and computed tomographic imaging.

Abstract

Over the past 10 years, there has been a rapid adoption of new technology that has allowed us to image the vascular system in a noninvasive manner with greater speed and improved resolution. The “gold standard,” catheter-based angiography, is now more often used with therapeutic interventions rather than purely diagnostic studies. Catheter-based angiography is being replaced by computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for carotid, renal, and peripheral vascular diagnostic examinations. The goal of this writing group is to review the evidence-based approach to selection of imaging modalities; however, regional availability and expertise are recognized as important factors in the selection of imaging modalities.