Contrast‐Enhanced Renal MRA

Abstract

The rapid growth of magnetic resonance imaging systems with enhanced gradient systems together with improved pulse sequences has improved the ability to image blood vessels with a spatial and temporal resolution similar to conventional X‐ray angiography. With patients who cannot undergo X‐ray angiography because they are contraindicated for iodinated contrast agents (having a creatinine level > 2.0), MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) has proven to be the modality of choice. Since the first demonstration of such contrast‐enhanced studies in the abdominal aorta, there have been continual improvements in methods due to improved hardware/software capabilities. This unit presents the MR protocols to image vascular morphology using contrast‐enhanced 3‐D‐MRA techniques. The pulse sequences described herein are based on the authors' experience with a Siemens 1.5 T Vision and 1.5 T Sonata scanners, but are expected to be equally applicable to machines from other manufacturers.