MRI may be sufficient for noninvasive assessment of great vessel stents: an in vitro comparison of MRI, CT, and conventional angiography.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of MRI and CT assessment of great vessel stents in an in vitro model.

Materials And Methods: Three contemporary great vessel stent materials (nitinol, platinum-iridium, and stainless steel) were assessed with three luminal conditions: no stenosis, internal stenosis, and external stenosis. Stents of the same material were implanted into an aorta model that was attached to an animal bypass pump with pulsatile flow.

Takayasu's disease: a review.

Takayasu's disease is a rare chronic vasculitis of unknown aetiology. Initial symptoms and signs are non-specific, and a high index of suspicion is needed to make the correct diagnosis. The disease is associated with a high incidence of morbidity, and a significant risk of premature death.