Magnetic resonance angiography of the lower extremity and renal arteries

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has been used to image the arteries to the lower extremities and to the kidneys, with promising initial results. In the case of the lower extremity arterial system, MRA provides a first opportunity to obtain anatomic images in a completely noninvasive fashion, including evaluation of the iliac and tibial vessels, to supplement the hemodynamic measurements that are a routine part of the preoperative evaluation. In the case of renal artery stenosis, MRA may soon become the initial screening modality of choice, especially in patients with renal insufficiency, in whom contrast scintigraphy may have limited accuracy and in whom contrast angiography is relatively contraindicated.