Gadofosveset-enhanced MR imaging for the preoperative evaluation of potential living kidney donors: correlation with intraoperative findings.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the blood pool contrast agent gadofosveset for MR angiography (MRA) of the renal vasculature in living kidney donors (LKD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of the 28 consecutive potential LKDs (13 men, 15 women; mean age 55.14 years ± 11.97) initially included in this prospective study, 20 patients underwent surgery and were considered for further evaluation. 7 acquisitions of a 3D T 1-weighted FLASH sequence were performed following administration of gadofosveset for the assessment of the vascular anatomy and collecting system at predefined time points at 1.5 T. All MR exams were prospectively analyzed by 2 radiologists in consensus mode prior to surgery. In addition, ROI-based relative SNR measurements were performed in the vena cava inferior and abdominal aorta.

RESULTS

MR image acquisition was completed in all 20 potential living donors. In 8 donors an additional CT scan was available for further comparison with the collateral anatomy, resulting in a total of 28 analyzed kidneys. MRA disclosed 36 renal arteries, since 8 accessory arteries were found in 8 subjects. One accessory artery and one case of fibromuscular dysplasia were missed by MRA. The venous anatomy and the collecting system were assessed correctly with MRI. In addition, MRI diagnosed two renal cell carcinomas. The overall sensitivity and positive predictive value of gadofosveset-enhanced MRI on a per kidney basis were 92.9 % and 100 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Gadofosveset enables accurate evaluation of potential LKDs.