Improved characterization of popliteal aneurysms using gadofosveset-enhanced equilibrium phase magnetic resonance angiography

Although standard magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has many advantages in the evaluation of peripheral artery disease, it has poorer spatial resolution compared with computed tomographic angiography and digital subtraction angiography. The MRA blood pool contrast agents have an extended half-life. By allowing longer imaging times, MRA enables the acquisition of high-resolution images as well as providing simultaneous visualization of both arteries and veins. Two cases of popliteal artery aneurysm are presented, in which MRA with a blood pool contrast agent provided critical clues to the correct diagnosis: a traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery caused by a femoral osteochondroma and a large fusiform popliteal aneurysm compressing the adjacent popliteal vein, causing venous congestion and leg pain.