ABSTRACT
The aim of this work was to study the optimal techniques, applications, limitations and value of magnetic resonance angiography [MRA] in the diagnosis of renovascular hypertension, using digital subtraction angiography [DSA] as the standard procedure in most of the cases. Fifty-five patients were included in this study; all referred from Nephrology Unit for the clinical suspicion of renovascular hypertension. Ultrasonography [US] including Doppler [CDUS] examination was done to exclude renal parenchymal disease. Breath hold gadolinium enhanced MRA for renal arteries, followed by three dimensional phase contrast angiography [3D PCA] maximum intensity projection [MIP] reformatting images were done in axial and oblique directions. The study concluded that MRA is a sensitive procedure [100%] in the diagnosis of main renal artery stenosis, particularly those with significant stenosis near 50% stenosis. MRA is also a sensitive procedure in the following up patients with previous intravascular procedure and for the vascular assessment of transplanted kidneys