[MR angiography of the forearm--visualization of the internal dialysis shunt]

Phase contrast MR angiography (MRA) of the forearm was performed in 10 healthy volunteers and 3 patients with chronic renal failure. In all volunteers, MRA demonstrated two arteries (radial artery and ulnar artery) and several cutaneous veins. In patients with chronic renal failure, internal dialysis shunts were clearly visualized and the stenoses of the shunts which were confirmed by later DSA were also well defined. It is concluded that MRA may be a valuable technic in the evaluation of internal dialysis shunts.