The Performance of Noncontrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Detecting Renal Artery Stenosis as Compared with Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography Using Conventional Angiography as a Reference

Objective The aims of this study were to evaluate the performance of noncontrast magnetic resonance angiography (NC MRA) for detecting renal artery stenosis (RAS) as compared with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE MRA) and to evaluate the clinical feasibility, technical success rate, and performance of NC MRA for detecting RAS as compared with CE MRA. Methods Thirty-six subjects who underwent NC MRA and/or CE MRA were enrolled. Feasibility, technical success rate, and image quality scores were compared. Diagnostic ability was calculated using conventional angiography as a reference. Results Noncontrast MRA had higher feasibility and technical success rates than CE MRA did (100% and 97.2% vs 83.3% and 90%, respectively). Noncontrast MRA yielded significantly better image quality in motion artifact (P = 0.016). The diagnostic ability for detecting RAS is without significant difference between NC MRA and CE MRA. Conclusion Although NC MRA and CE MRA demonstrated comparable ability in diagnosing RAS, NC MRA achieved better technical success rates, feasibility, and image quality in motion artifacts than CE MRA did.