Dynamic Gadolinium DTPA-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance of Intravascular Stents

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Magnetic resonance contrast enhancement depends on the timing of image acquisition. Human trials have demonstrated efficacy of renal artery stents on salvage of renal function. This study assessed the ability of dynamic gadolinium (Gd)-DTPA administration to demonstrate renal and iliac artery stent patency compared to conventional angiography as the gold standard. METHODS: Seven subjects with eight stents referred for angiography underwent dynamic magnetic resonance studies, all with renal artery stenting. All were examined with conventional angiography and after dynamic Gd-DTPA infusion. Coronal magnetic resonance images were acquired using a GE Signa 1.5 T magnet (fast spoiled gradient echo; echo time = 4.2 ms; repetition time = 68-150 ms; flip angle = 75 degrees) 0 to 600 seconds after 0.1 mmol/Kg Gd-DTPA intravenous bolus injection during sequential breath-hold acquisitions 13 to 32 seconds each. RESULTS: All eight stents were visualized with 100% accurate patency documentation. CONCLUSIONS: Fast spoiled gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging with bolus Gd-DTPA administration can provide adequate time and spatial resolution to demonstrate arterial stent patency.