Imaging of the saphenous vein graft bypass of the cavernous carotid artery.

PURPOSE To describe the radiographic appearance of the interpositional carotid saphenous vein graft and to compare the efficacy of MR angiography with conventional angiography in determining graft patency and identifying graft irregularities. METHODS The authors examined saphenous vein graft bypasses of the cavernous carotid artery in 14 patients using CT, MR, and conventional and MR angiography. RESULTS The course of the graft was typically more inferior, lateral, and anterior than the course of the native vessel. Mild irregularities were found in four of the grafts, but all four "filled out" in a period of months. Time-of-flight angiography was comparable to conventional angiography in four of five patients. Phase-contrast angiography was comparable to conventional angiography in nine of nine cases. CONCLUSIONS MR angiography is a useful screening modality in the postoperative evaluation of vascular grafts.