Clinical role of non-contrast magnetic resonance angiography for evaluation of renal artery stenosis.
BACKGROUND
The association between a gadolinium-based contrast material and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis has been discussed. The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) might provide sufficient information of renal artery stenosis.


RESULTS
The non-contrast MRA of 26 patients with hypertension was retrospectively reviewed in the present study. The significant renal artery stenosis was visually evaluated by comparing non-contrast MRA with computed tomography or conventional angiographic finding. Difference of the intensities between the proximal and distal aorta was quantitatively evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of non-contrast MRA in the evaluation of the renal artery stenosis was 78%, 91%, 64% and 96%, respectively. The distal abdominal aorta showed less signal intensity than the proximal aorta by 16.9+/-12.2%.


CONCLUSIONS
Non-contrast MRA is a non-invasive and effective method that allows evaluation of the renal artery stenosis.
Utsunomiya
Daisuke
D
Diagnostic Imaging Center, Saiseikai Kumamoto Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan. daisuke-utsunomiya@saiseikaikumamoto.jp
Miyazaki
Mitsue
M
Nomitsu
Yohei
Y
Komeda
Yosuke
Y
Okigawa
Takashi
T
Urata
Joji
J
Yamashita
Yasuyuki
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012078:Renal Artery Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D003287:Contrast Media