T2 dark blood MRA for renal artery stenosis detection: preliminary observations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the ability of a fast spin echo T2 weighted dark blood sequence to characterize significant (>50%) renal artery stenosis compared to conventional angiography. METHODS: Sixteen patients underwent conventional catheter angiography for either renal artery stenosis evaluation or as potential renal donors. Each patient then had an MR study of the renal arteries and kidneys with fast spin echo T2 weighted MR (TR 4000, TE 102, 8 echo train length) on a Superconducting 1.5T Magnet. Results were compared with angiography and inter and intra observer statistics were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 36 renal arteries were imaged in 32 kidneys with 12 stenoses >50%. Fast s..