Renal artery evaluation: comparison of spiral CT angiography to intra-arterial DSA.

PURPOSE

To assess the role of spiral computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in renal artery evaluation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors prospectively performed both CTA and intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA) in 50 consecutive patients (24 males and 26 females) who ranged between 9 and 77 years old (mean, 39.3 years), in whom renovascular hypertension was suspected (n = 32) or who were potential renal donors (n = 18). The major scan parameters of CTA were 3-mm collimation, 4-5-mm/sec table speed, and 2-mm reconstruction interval. Both CTA and IA-DSA images were blindly interpreted by two radiologists with respect to the number of accessory renal arteries and the location and severity of renal artery stenosis.

RESULTS

CTA demonstrated 27 of 28 accessory renal arteries (detection rate = 96%). For the detection of stenoses greater than 50% (37 of 127 renal arteries, at 40 sites), the sensitivity and specificity of CTA were 90% and 97%, respectively. For the detection of stenoses greater than 50% in the main renal arteries (32 of 99 main renal arteries, at 32 sites), the sensitivity and specificity of CTA were 100% and 97%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

CTA is a reliable and accurate screening modality for the evaluation of renal arteries in patients with suspected renovascular hypertension and in potential renal donors.