[MR angiography of the abdomen]

The two techniques currently most often used for MR angiography, those based on time-of-flight effects and on phase-contrast, are introduced, and our results with three-dimensional phase contrast angiography of the abdomen are presented. Several basic differences from other imaging procedures render MR angiography clinically useful for screening for renal artery stenosis in critical situations, such as renal failure or intolerance to contrast agents. In the future, the spectrum of applications of MR angiography will broaden and include other indications, such as portal venous hypertension and follow-up studies after surgical portal systemic shunting.