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Abstract #1277

Non Contrast Enhanced (NCE)-MRA of the Renal Transplant Vessels: A Comparison Between IFIR & VIPR-SSFP

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.

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