Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Therapy

Feraheme-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography (FEMRA) vs. Digital Subtraction Angiography in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Peripheral Vascular Disease in Patients with Renal Insufficiency

Background: Ferumoxytol is an Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide (USPIO) which has demonstrated promise as a novel contrast agent with an excellent safety profile in patients with CKD. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and utility of this agent for diagnosis and operative planning in the setting of PAD and CKD. A comparison with digital subtraction angiography is also provided.

Methods: Between April, 2013 and September, 2014 seven patients with renal insufficiency (CKD ≥ Stage 3) and symptomatic PAD underwent Fe-MRA. This was followed by DSA limited to the vascular bed with significant stenosis as detected by Fe-MRA. Renal function was assessed before and after each procedure. Images were qualitatively scored at the iliac, femoral, popliteal and tibial levels by two interventional radiologists. Degree of stenosis was also scored for comparison.

Results: Seven male patients were studied with a mean age of 75 years (64-92). 5 therapeutic procedures (4 endovascular and 1 open) were performed. There were no statistically significant differences in creatinine or GFR after Fe-MRA or DSA. Iodinated contrast load (mg I) for DSA was reduced in comparison with age and disease matched controls (8240 ± 5206 vs. 29320 ± 15605, p=0.001). No statistically significant differences were found for degree of stenosis or mean image quality score below the iliac level. There were no adverse events in response to Ferumoxytol administration.

Conclusion: Fe-MRA provides image quality and estimation of degree of stenosis comparable to DSA. Fe-MRA may serve as an alternative to CTA or gadoliniumbased MRA for patients with end-stage renal disease.

Author(s):

John D Dortch, Mellena D Bridges, Gregory Frey, David Sella, W Andrew Oldenburg, Houssam Farres, Erin Smith, Haley Lanigan and Albert G Hakaim

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