The feasibility of spatial high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the renal arteries at 3.0 T

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of high-spatial resolution magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the renal arteries at 3.0 T. Material and Methods: Twelve healthy volunteers (mean age, 38.8 years) underwent renal MRA at 3.0 T. The application of parallel imaging with an acceleration factor of 3 allowed obtaining MR angiographic data with a voxel size of 0.9 x 0.8 x 0.9 mm in scan time of only 16 s. A dose of 0.2 mmol/kg body weight of 0.5-molar gadodiamide was administered at a flow rate of 2 ml/s. For image analysis, image quality, presence of artifacts, venous contamination and level of noise were rated by two radiologists in consensus. Results: All examinations were of diagnostic quality. The image quality was rated good or very good in 91% (11/12) of cases. Due to the high parallel imaging factor the level of noise was slightly increased without diagnostic impairment. Mild venous enhancement was found in 75% (9/12) of the examinations. Conclusion: Renal MRA at 3.0 T is feasible with high spatial resolution and a short acquisition time.