Abstract
Objectives:
Dynamic time-resolved magnetic resonance angiography (DTR MRA) is a novel imaging algorithm that allows for better visualization of small-caliber vessels when compared with standard MRA. We sought to estimate the technique sensitivity when compared with intraoperative findings.
Methods:
Retrospective review of 25 patients undergoing reconstruction with free fibula flap at an academic tertiary setting from 2009 to 2013. Preoperative DTR MRA was performed in all cases. Two radiologists performed blind reviews of the images and their findings were compared with surgical descriptions of the perforator anatomy.
Results:
Surgical exploration identified 32 perforators while DTR MRA identified 45 vessels. The technique confirmed the presence of perforators in 22 out of 23 patients with at least one perforator, and their absence in 1 out of 2 patients who had a negative exploration. There was a significant correlation in the number of perforators identified clinically and radiologically in each case (P = .005). Twenty-seven perforators were localized to their correct anatomic location by the technique, yielding a sensitivity of 84.4% and a specificity of 16.7%. Ten out of the 18 vessels incorrectly identified by this technique were located within 30 mm of a confirmed perforator.
Conclusions:
DTR MRA is a highly sensitive technique for determining the presence and location of cutaneous perforators in patients undergoing reconstruction with free fibula flap. The majority of the false-positive findings corresponded to vessels located within 30 mm of a confirmed perforator; we hypothesize that they could represent distal branching patterns presenting radiologically as separate entities. These results compare favorably to perforator mapping with standard MRA techniques.
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