Gadofosveset-enhanced magnetic resonance venography in patients with venous pathology of the lower limbs - Comparison of diagnostic image quality and inter-rater variability with gadobutrol venography and computed tomography venography.

Abstract

Purpose This study was performed to compare the diagnostic quality of Gadofosveset-enhanced magnetic resonance venography with Gadobutrol-enhanced magnetic resonance venography and computed tomography venography for the deep veins of the lower extremities in patients with iliocaval venous pathology. Materials and methods Diagnostic capability and image quality were assessed by two independent readers. Inter-reader variability was analyzed by unweighted and quadratic weighted Cohen's kappa values. Results The diagnostic capability was equal to or higher in the Gadofosveset group for all examined vessel segments compared with both control groups. The image quality score was significantly higher for the Gadofosveset group compared to both control groups. Inter-reader variability expressed by quadratic weighted Cohen's kappa value (k) showed less variability in the Gadofosveset group compared to the control groups. Conclusion Our results show that Gadofosveset-enhanced magnetic resonance venography is a reliable technique in clinical routine practice, with image quality superior to both Gadobutrol-enhanced magnetic resonance venography and computed tomography venography.