Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the renal arteries. Original investigation.
OBJECTIVE
The authors determine the value of contrast-enhanced, three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in the assessment of the renal arteries in comparison with conventional arteriography (CA).


METHODS
One hundred three patients (71 m, 32 f) were evaluated with both CA and 3D MRA. The 3D MRA data set consisted of 44 contiguous sections, acquired in apnea (23-28 seconds) using the following parameters: TR/TE 3.9/1.5 milliseconds, flip angle 40 degrees to 50 degrees, 3/4 k-space acquisition. A bolus of 0.3 mmol/kg BW gadolinium-DTPA was administered intravenously, using an automated injector. A test bolus method was used for timing of the bolus relative to the beginning of the data acquisition. Intra-arterial CA was used as the standard of reference in all patients. Separate interpretations of the CA and MRA results were made by two different pairs of radiologists, who were each blinded to the results of the other exam.


RESULTS
In all, 31 of 33 accessory renal arteries were correctly identified. All 205 main renal arteries were seen with MRA. Of 65 significant stenoses identified on CA, 61 were correctly identified and graded by MRA. Sensitivity and specificity values for the assessment of significant renal arterial lesions were 93% and 90%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Breath-hold, contrast-enhanced 3D MRA allows for the reliable assessment of renal arterial morphology and pathologic states.
Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland.
T F
TF
Hany
D A
DA
Leung
T
T
Pfammatter
J F
JF
Debatin
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D012077:Renal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D012078:Renal Artery Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA