Evaluation of live renal donors with three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in comparison to catheter angiography

• Published in: Transplantation proceedings 2004-09, Vol.36 (7), p.1914-1916
• Main Authors: Tan, S.P., Bux, S.I., Kumar, G., Razack, A.H.A., Chua, C.B., Lee, S.H., Liew, W.F., Tan, S.Y.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiovascular system; Catheters, Indwelling; Contrast Media; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fundamental immunology; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Living Donors; Magnetic Resonance Angiography - methods; Malaysia; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry; Renal Artery - anatomy & histology; Sensitivity and Specificity; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Tissue, organ and graft immunology
• ISSN: 0041-1345; 1873-2623
• DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2004.08.037

Catheter angiography is traditionally used to determine renal arterial anatomy in live renal donors. Three-dimensional (3D) contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRA) has been suggested as a noninvasive replacement. We assessed the possibility of using MRA in live renal donors in Malaysia. Twenty-six consecutive live renal donors were recruited from 2000 to 2002. All potential donors underwent evaluation of the renal arteries using both techniques. Angiographic findings from both modalities were subsequently compared with surgical findings at the time of donor nephrectomy. The total number and diameter of the arteries and the presence of early branching and renal abnormalities were noted. Both angiographic modalities were able to detect multiple renal arteries with catheter angiography having a sensitivity of 100% and MRA a sensitivity of 97%. MRA missed one 1-mm artery due to a low index of suspicion. Renal artery caliber measurements were not significantly different between the two methods. However, both techniques tended to overestimate the caliber of the renal arteries when compared with measurements taken at surgery. Early branching was found in two arteries at the time of surgery, but only one was detected by both techniques. Renal cysts seen on MR were not detected by catheter angiography. Our findings suggest that noninvasive MRA is a promising substitute for catheter angiography to evaluate the renal arteries of live donors.