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. Reeder^1,3, Walter F. Block^1,2

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.