High-spatial-resolution contrast-enhanced MR angiography of the renal arteries: a prospective comparison with digital subtraction angiography.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a high-spatial-resolution three-dimensional (3D) contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiographic technique for detecting proximal and distal renal arterial stenosis.


METHODS
Twenty-five patients underwent high-spatial-resolution small-field-of-view (FOV) 3D contrast-enhanced MR angiography of the renal arteries, which was followed several minutes later by more standard, large-FOV 3D contrast-enhanced MR angiography that included the distal aorta and iliac arteries. For both acquisitions, MR fluoroscopic triggering and an elliptic centric view order were used. Two readers evaluated the MR angiograms for grade and hemodynamic significance of renal arterial stenosis, diagnostic quality, and presence of artifacts. MR imaging results for each patient were compared with those of digital subtraction angiograms.


RESULTS
The high-spatial-resolution small-FOV technique provided high sensitivity (97%) and specificity (92%) for the detection of renal arterial stenosis, including all four distal stenoses encountered. The portrayal of the segmental renal arteries was adequate for diagnosis in 19 (76%) of 25 patients. In 12% of the patients, impaired depiction of the segmental arteries was linked to motion.


CONCLUSIONS
The combined high-spatial-resolution small-FOV and large-FOV MR angiographic examination provides improved spatial resolution in the region of the renal arteries while maintaining coverage of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries.
Fain
S B
SB
Magnetic Resonance Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
King
B F
BF
Breen
J F
JF
Kruger
D G
DG
Riederer
S J
SJ
D000368:Aged; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012077:Renal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D012078:Renal Artery Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium