title: Non-contrast-enhanced imaging of haemodialysis fistulas using quiescent-interval single-shot (QISS) MRA: a feasibility study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the efficiency of a novel quiescent-interval single-shot (QISS) technique for non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of haemodialysis fistulas.
  
  
  METHODS
  QISS MRA and colour Doppler ultrasound (CDU) images were obtained from 22 haemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). A radiologist with extensive experience in vascular imaging initially assessed the fistulas using CDU. Two observers analysed each QISS MRA data set in terms of image quality, using a five-point scale ranging from 0 (non-diagnostic) to 4 (excellent), and lumen diameters of all segments were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred vascular segments were analysed for QISS MRA. Two anastomosis segments were considered non-diagnostic. None of the arterial or venous segments were evaluated as non-diagnostic. The image quality was poorer for the anastomosis level compared to the other segments (p<0.001 for arterial segments, and p<0.05 for venous segments), while no significant difference was determined for other vascular segments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  QISS MRA has the potential to provide valuable complementary information to CDU regarding the imaging of haemodialysis fistulas. In addition, QISS non-enhanced MRA represents an alternative for assessment of haemodialysis fistulas, in which the administration of iodinated or gadolinium-based contrast agents is contraindicated.
authors.affiliation: Bozok University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Yozgat, Turkey.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Okur
authors.affiliation: Ataturk University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Erzurum, Turkey. Electronic address: akkanrad@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kantarci
authors.affiliation: Ataturk University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Erzurum, Turkey.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Karaca
authors.affiliation: Harran University School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Sanliurfa, Turkey.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yildiz
authors.affiliation: Ataturk University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Erzurum, Turkey.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sade
authors.affiliation: Ataturk University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Erzurum, Turkey.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pirimoglu
authors.affiliation: Ataturk University, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Erzurum, Turkey.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Keles
authors.affiliation: Siemens Turkey, Kartal, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Avci
authors.affiliation: Ataturk University, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Erzurum, Turkey.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Çankaya
authors.affiliation: MR Application & Workflow Development, Siemens AG, Healthcare Sector, Erlangen, Germany.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schmitt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color