Comparison of contrast enhanced MR-angiography-MRI and digital subtraction angiography in the evaluation of pancreas and/or kidney transplantation patients: initial experience

Magn Reson Imaging. 2001 Jun;19(5):595-607. doi: 10.1016/s0730-725x(01)00372-1.

Abstract

To evaluate whether combined contrast enhanced MRA and MRI (ce-MRA-MRI) has the potential to replace intra-arterial DSA (i.a.DSA) in patients with impaired graft function or suspected of vascular complications after pancreas and/or kidney transplantation. 7 patients after combined pancreas-kidney and 22 patients after kidney transplantation underwent ce-MRA-MRI and i.a.DSA within a 3 days interval. Qualitative and quantitative comparison of the arterial and venous supply, the parenchyma and urinary collecting system was made. Both ce-MRA and i.a.DSA showed good results in the detection of arterial stenoses. However, ce-MRA falsely suggested stenoses if vascular clips were used; on the other hand, i.a.DSA was less informative if the graft arteries were very tortuous. Ce-MRA was superior in depicting the venous anatomy (p < 0.001) and the parenchymal enhancement of the pancreatic grafts. For the assessment of the contrast excretion, the pyelocalyceal system and the ureter of the renal graft ce-MRA-MRI was superior (p < 0.001), for small caliber arteries in the renal grafts i.a.DSA was of greater value (p < 0.001). The combination of ce-MRA and MRI is reliable for evaluating the vascular anatomy and has several advantages over i.a.DSA after pancreas and/or kidney transplantation. It can replace i.a.DSA in patients with impaired graft function or suspected of vascular complications after pancreas and/or kidney transplantation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Angiography, Digital Subtraction*
  • Artifacts
  • Female
  • Graft Rejection / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement*
  • Ischemia / diagnosis
  • Kidney / blood supply
  • Kidney Transplantation / physiology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreas / blood supply
  • Pancreas Transplantation / physiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Predictive Value of Tests