Computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography

Abstract

The challenge of accurate pre-procedure planning for vascular intervention in the ischemic diabetic foot is significant. Accurate assessment is vital for optimal treatment strategies to be formulated. Duplex is a useful starting point but where information is inadequate as commonly seen in the challenging below knee segments in diabetes further imaging in the form of CT or MR angiography may offer the solution. CT and MR angiography have strengths and weaknesses and careful consideration of these in individual patients as well as attention to imaging protocols and post-processing techniques and interpretation is needed for good diagnostic outcomes. These techniques and their use in this challenging patient population are discussed.