Time-resolved 3D MR angiography with parallel imaging for evaluation of hemodialysis fistulas and grafts: initial experience.

Overview

OBJECTIVE: We optimized a time-resolved 3D contrast-enhanced MR angiography sequence with integrated parallel imaging technique that can provide a large field of view with high temporal and spatial resolution, by which the hemodialysis access and the entire course of the inflow and outflow vessels can be imaged at a single anatomic station. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of this method in the evaluation of patients referred for possible abnormalities in hemodialysis access. CONCLUSION: Time-resolved contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography with parallel imaging has the potential to provide a rapid and comprehensive evaluation for the surveillance and diagnosis of hemodialysis access malfunctions. This technique may function as an important complement to conventional digital subtraction angiography and may be able to help guide medical management. The MR angiography protocol we present is a noninvasive, versatile, and time-efficient technique, without the need of direct graft puncture or flow interruption, and can be performed using a single injection of contrast material at a single station.