3D rotational angiography of transplanted kidneys.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a protocol for 3D rotational angiography (3D-RA) of the transplant renal artery.


METHODS
3D-RA was consecutively performed in 39 renal transplanted patients with suspicion of renal artery stenosis. A series of images were acquired while the C-arm of the equipment rotated around the region of interest. Contrast media in different concentrations were given through a 1.4 mm catheter with different sites of injection in the ipsilateral iliac artery. The 3D reconstructions were done at a workstation. Suspected stenoses were in most cases verified with pressure measurement, and a systolic pressure gradient of 10 mm Hg or more was regarded as significant.


RESULTS
28 stenoses were found in 24/39 patients (62%); 21/28 (75%) were verified by pressure measurement. The 3D reconstructions gave a better description of the stenoses in 10 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
3D-RA is a helpful supplement in cases with complicated vascular anatomy, especially when intervention may be indicated. The best results were achieved with the catheter tip in the proximal iliac artery and 70-75 ml of a high concentration contrast medium at a flow rate of 8-10 ml/s.
Hagen
G
G
Department of Radiology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Wadström
J
J
Magnusson
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012077:Renal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000637:transplantation*