RENAL VASCULATURE IN POTENTIAL RENAL-TRANSPLANT DONORS - COMPARISON OF MR-IMAGING AND DIGITAL SUBTRACTION ANGIOGRAPHY

PURPOSE: To compare magnetic resonance (MR) angiography with a selecti ve inversion-recovery sequence and digital subtraction angiography (DS A) in renal transplant donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen potenti al donors underwent MR imaging at 1.5 T and conventional angiography. Blinded evaluation of imaging findings was performed. A selective inve rsion-recovery sequence was used to obtain MR arteriograms. RESULTS: E ight accessory vessels were present; MR angiography showed 100% sensit ivity in accessory vessel detection. Both studies depicted early arter ial branching in two vessels, mild fibromuscular dysplasia in one pati ent normal renal size in all patients, and prominent fetal lobulation in two kidneys. A small cyst was detected with MR imaging only. Minor venous anomalies were noted in three patients, though these were not s urgically confirmed owing to contralateral surgery. CONCLUSION: Despit e the small study population, MR angiography with this sequence appear s to have potential value in pretransplantation evaluation of the kidn ey. Advantages include short examination time, noninvasiveness, avoida nce of iodinated contrast media, no radiation, and lower cost than DSA .