US, CT, and MR evaluation of accessory renal arteries and proximal renal arterial branches

Rationale and Objectives. The purpose of this study was to compare color Do ppler ultrasound (US), computed tomographic (CT) angiography, and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography for the evaluation of accessory renal arteries a nd proximal branches of the main renal artery. Materials and Methods. Fifty-six subjects who had undergone conventional ar teriography of the renal arteries participated in a prospective comparison of Doppler US (45 patients), CT angiography (52 patients), and nonenhanced MR angiography (28 patients). Conventional arteriography depicted 28 access ory renal arteries and 21 proximal branches of the main renal artery within 2 cm of the aorta. Results. US depicted five of 24 accessory renal arteries seen at arteriogra phy but no proximal arterial branches. CT angiography depicted 24 of 26 acc essory renal arteries and 13 of 17 proximal arterial branches, as well as 1 5 additional accessory renal arteries not seen at conventional arteriograph y. MR demonstrated 11 of 15 accessory arteries, as well as four additional accessory arteries not seen at conventional arteriography. MR did not depic t any of nine proximal arterial branches seen at conventional arteriography . Conclusion. When compared with US or nonenhanced MR angiography, CT is the preferred method for evaluation of accessory renal arteries and proximal br anches of the renal artery.