[The MRT and MRA of kidney transplants--vascular and perfusion assessment].
OBJECTIVE
To document the value of fast contrast enhanced-sequences in the assessment of the vascular supply and parenchymal perfusion in renal transplants.


METHODS
18 recipients of a renal transplant were examined with a 1.5-tesla-MR-system. The protocol included fast contrast enhanced 3D MR angiography and coronal 2D GRE sequences. The transplant artery and vein were assessed as well as regional parenchymal perfusion.


RESULTS
3D MRA detected three transplant artery stenoses and one occlusion. In addition, two renal vein thromboses and one compression were identified. Perfusion deficits were documented in 8 renal transplants: renal infarction (n = 4), cortical necrosis (n = 2), acute tubular necrosis (n = 1) and venous ischemia (n = 1). Fluid collections were documented as well as dilation of the collecting system and abnormalities of the surrounding tissues.


CONCLUSIONS
Contrast enhanced MRI and MRA permit a comprehensive assessment of renal transplants without inducing nephrotoxicity.
Institut für Diagnostiche Radiologie, Universitätsspital Zürich.
W
W
Wiesner
T
T
Pfammatter
G P
GP
Krestin
J F
JF
Debatin
D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA
MRT und MRA von Nierentransplantaten--Gefäss- und Perfusionsbeurteilung.