In Vivo Evaluation of the Carotid Wallstent on Three-dimensional Contrast Material-enhanced MR Angiography: Influence of Artifacts on the Visibility of Stent Lumina

The results of this study indicate that a reliable evaluation of the stent lumen is limited as a result of an artificial decrease of the SI inside the stent. However, in follow-up examinations 7-23 months after stent implantation, visibility of the stent lumen was improved and diagnostic reliability of contrast-enhanced MR angiography was markedly increased. A probable explanation for this phenomenon might be the formation of a neointimal layer covering the stent struts and thereby reducing stent-related artifacts.