High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Angiography of the Renal Arteries Using Parallel Imaging Acquisition Techniques at 3.0 T

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Abstract
The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the feasibility of high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the kidneys at 3.0 T using parallel data acquisition. Contrast-enhanced MRA of the renal arteries (RA) was performed in 12 volunteers and 12 consecutive patients (mean age 47.1 ± 16.3 years) on a 3.0 T MR scanner. For CEMRA, a high-resolution 3-dimensional GRE FLASH sequence was implemented. Images were assessed subjectively on a 0 to 5 scoring scale by 2 reviewers. Quantitative evaluation was done by measuring the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Diagnostic image quality was acquired in all individuals. In total, 62 RA were found, consisting of 48 main and 14 accessory RA. Overall visibility score for main RA was 4.82 ± 0.38. RA were identified up to the third-order branches in 88%. In 3 of 12 patients, a hemodynamic relevant stenosis was found and proven by conventional angiogram. CEMRA at 3.0 T is advantageous in terms of better SNR and T1 weighting; therefore, measurement time can be reduced and spatial resolution can be increased without corruption of signal yield. Consequently, high-field MRA may be preferred for the evaluation of renal vascular anatomy in potential kidney donors or for the detection of renal artery stenosis.

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