MRCA by two-dimensional-segmented k-space turbo FLASH (2D-STFL)is a noninvasive method of describing the coronary artery. However, this technique is not widely used owing to the complexity of handling. We examined 262 branches of the coronary artery in 160 cases to determine whether MRCA could be used as a method of evaluating stenosis of the coronary artery. MRCA images were classified into five groups (normal, vessel narrowing, reduced intensity, breakage of vessel, and inability to image), and we then compared the MRCA findings with percent diameter stenosis demonstrated by coronary angiography. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRCA for coronary arterial stenosis of 90% or more, breakage of vessel, and inability to image were 0.70, 0.87, and 0.85, respectively. Further, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRCA for coronary arterial stenosis of 75% or more, including reduced intensity, were 0.83, 0.79, and 0.80, respectively, and those of 50% or more were 0.95, 0.86, and 0.90, respectively,
including reduced intensity. In conclusion, MRCA is considered to be highly useful as a noninvasive method for the evaluation of coronary lesions. |
