Eric M. Bultman1, Jessica Klaers2,
Christopher J. Franois3, Mark L. Schiebler3, Scott B.
Reeder1,3, Walter F. Block1,2
1Biomedical Engineering,
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; 2Medical
Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States; 3Radiology,
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
The development of NCE-MRA methods to visualize the renal transplant vessels remains of tremendous clinical importance. In this retrospective study, we investigated the MR angiographic performance of a 3D radial sequence (VIPR-SSFP) compared to an inflow-weighted technique (IFIR) known to provide excellent visualization of the renal arteries. After identifying 21 renal transplant patients who received VIPR-SSFP and IFIR scans, two practicing radiologists scored these patients images on several criteria reflecting angiographic quality. Results demonstrate that VIPR-SSFP provides superior visualization of the renal veins and improved fat suppression, while IFIR provides somewhat superior visualization of the renal arteries.