Intravascular Ultrasound for the Peripheral Vasculature-Current Applications and New Horizons.

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a proven and rapidly developing imaging modality that can be used for a multitude of both diagnostic and interventional purposes. By allowing for superior intraluminal characterization, compared with angiography, IVUS has emerged as a technically valuable tool in interventional procedures such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt/direct intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, venous interventions (May Thurner stenting, inferior vena cava filter placement, recanalization in the setting of chronic venous thrombosis/insufficiency), percutaneous fenestration in the setting of aortic dissection and angioplasty. Additional applications evaluating coronary arteries and plaque morphology have been described, but are outside the scope of this review. In addition to IVUS's merit as a pre- and intra-procedural guidance modality, there are also several advantages compared to the gold standard of angiography which include decreased need for iodinated contrast, decreased radiation exposure and decreased procedural times in certain cases. With current research, such as that aimed at supraharmonic imaging, further improvements in imaging depth, resolution and contrast to noise ratio are on the horizon.

Use of an intravenous sclerosing foam (3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate) for treatment of orbital varix in a dog.

A 6-month-old intact male Standard Dachshund was referred for evaluation of a soft tissue swelling above the right eye. Examination of the right eye revealed mild lateral deviation of the globe, normal vision, and a dorsonasal soft tissue swelling. Examination of the posterior segment was normal. Dual-phase computed tomography angiography was consistent with an orbital varix of the angularis oculi and right dorsal external ophthalmic veins with no evidence of arterial involvement. Treatment involved fluoroscopically guided coil embolization of the venous outflow with nine platinum microcoils, followed by sclerotherapy of the varix using 1.5 mL of 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam. Moderate-to-marked swelling was noted at the treatment site in the weeks following therapy, which gradually resolved. At final reexamination 3 months post-therapy, complete sclerosis and resolution of the orbital varix were documented. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case involving the use of a sclerotic agent for successful treatment of a venous malformation in a dog.

Use of a vascular closure device during percutaneous arterial access in a dog with impaired hemostasis.

OBJECTIVE: To report the use of a vascular closure device (VCD) to provide rapid arterial hemostasis following percutaneous femoral arterial catheterization and diagnostic angiography in a thrombocytopenic and coagulopathic dog. CASE SUMMARY: A 6-year-old female spayed Kai Ken Tora dog presented after vehicular trauma. The dog was diagnosed with traumatic pneumothorax, degloving wounds of the right antebrachium, subcutaneous hemorrhage within the axillary tissues of the left thoracic limb, and anemia and thrombocytopenia secondary to acute hemorrhage. Treatment included therapeutic thoracocentesis and open wound management of the right thoracic limb as well as packed RBC and fresh frozen plasma transfusions. Diagnostic angiography of the left brachial artery was performed via percutaneous femoral arterial access to investigate the source of a persistent axillary hematoma. The arterial access site was closed using an extraluminal VCD and hemostasis was immediate with normal femoral arterial blood flow documented by Doppler ultrasound. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This report describes use of a VCD for arterial closure following percutaneous access in a dog with impaired hemostasis; to the authors' knowledge, this is the first clinical report of a VCD used in a veterinary species.

Complications of Vascular Access: Superior Vena Cava Syndrome.

Stenosis or occlusion of central veins in hemodialysis patients is common, especially with previous intravascular catheter or device use. Superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction is emerging as a frequent chronic complication of central vein cannulation that not only jeopardizes the availability of vascular access for hemodialysis, but can become a life-threatening emergency. Clinical features of SVC syndrome can be subtle or dramatic, including facial swelling and shortness of breath, which require expeditious attention and intervention. The approach to SVC syndrome involves judicious use of imaging techniques to define the cause and location. Early management with endovascular intervention with angioplasty and stent placement is the usual first choice. The occlusion can often be recanalized using new techniques such as radiofrequency wire and then salvaged with stents, providing prompt resolution of symptoms. Limitations to interventions include requirement of cutting-edge equipment, expertise, expense, and the usually temporary nature of the resolution. Surgery is considered the treatment of last resort for refractory cases. SVC syndrome can be prevented by minimizing catheter and intravascular device use through early recognition of patients with chronic kidney disease, early referral for education about all choices for kidney replacement modalities, and early placement of arteriovenous access prior to the onset of dialysis therapy.

Gastric Artery Embolization Trial for the Lessening of Appetite Nonsurgically (GET LEAN): Six-Month Preliminary Data.

PURPOSE: To report 6-month safety and efficacy results of a pilot study of left gastric artery (LGA) embolization for the treatment of morbid obesity (ie, body mass index [BMI] > 40 kg/m(2)). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four white patients (three women; average age, 41 y [range, 30-54 y]; mean weight, 259.3 lbs [range, 199-296 lbs]; mean BMI, 42.4 kg/m(2) [range, 40.2-44.9 kg/m(2)]) underwent an LGA embolization procedure with 300-500-µm Bead Block particles via right common femoral or left radial artery approach. Follow-up included upper endoscopy at 3 days and 30 days if necessary and a gastric emptying study at 3 months. Tracked parameters included adverse events; weight change; ghrelin, leptin, and cholecystokinin levels; and quality of life (QOL; by Short Form 36 version 2 questionnaire). RESULTS: Three minor complications (superficial gastric ulcerations healed by 30 d) occurred that did not require hospitalization. There were no serious adverse events. Average body weight change at 6 months was -20.3 lbs (n = 4; range, -6 to -38 lbs), or -8.5% (range, -2.2% to -19.1%). Average excess body weight loss at 6 months was -17.2% (range, -4.2% to -38.5%). Patient 4, who had diabetes, showed an improvement in hemoglobin A1c level (7.4% to 6.3%) at 6 months. QOL measures showed a general trend toward improvement, with the average physical component score improving by 9.5 points (range, 3.2-17.2) and mental component score improving by 9.6 points (range, 0.2-19.3) at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data support LGA embolization as a potentially safe procedure that warrants further investigation for weight loss in morbidly obese patients.

Transarterial Chemoembolization for Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors With Massive Hepatic Tumor Burden: Is the Benefit Worth the Risk?

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have a propensity to metastasize to the liver, often resulting in massive tumor burden and hepatic dysfunction. While transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is effective in treating patients with NET metastatic to the liver, there are limited data on its utility and benefit in patients with large hepatic involvement. The aim of our study was to determine the clinical benefit and complication rate of TACE in patients with massive hepatic tumor burden. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed in patients with grade 1 or 2 NETs with hepatic metastasis at our institution from January 2000 to September 2014 who underwent TACE. Of 201 total patients, 68 had massive hepatic tumor burden involving >75 % of liver parenchyma. RESULTS: Carcinoid syndrome was present in 40 (59 %) patients, and 57 (84 %) of the 68 patients were symptomatic from their disease. Complications beyond post-TACE syndrome occurred in 21.7 % of patients, with the most common complication being cardiac arrhythmias. The 30-day mortality rate was 7 %. Biochemical response was observed in 78 % of patients, while symptomatic relief and radiographic response was achieved in 85 and 82 % of patients, respectively. Median overall survival following TACE was 28 months, with 1-, 2-, and 5-year overall survival of 76, 54, and 26 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of massive tumor burden, clinical and biochemical improvements were seen in the majority of patients. Morbidity was acceptable and reversible but with a fairly high mortality rate of 7 %. TACE should still be considered in selective patients with massive hepatic tumor burden from metastatic NET for symptom control and palliation.

Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Prior to Transarterial Chemoembolization for Neuroendocrine Tumors Predicts Worse Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: We hypothesized that an elevated preoperative alkaline phosphatase (AP) predicted worse outcomes for patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) liver metastases. METHODS: We reviewed all patients who underwent TACE for metastatic NET between 2009 and 2013. Survival was evaluated using preprocedure variables. RESULTS: One hundred and nine patients underwent 210 TACE procedures. The average age was 57.7 years (range 20-78). Primary sites included pancreas (N = 20), other gastrointestinal (N = 52), lung (N = 9), and unknown (N = 28). The tumor was grade 1 in 68 (62 %), grade 2 in 21 (19 %), and grade 3 in 3 (3 %). Extrahepatic disease was present in 54 (50 %) and greater than 50 % hepatic tumor burden by imaging in 63 (58 %). Elevated bilirubin occurred in 8 (7 %), elevated AP in 22 (20 %), elevated ALT in 21 (19 %), and elevated AST in 41 (38 %). Univariate predictors included tumor grade (43 vs 27 vs 21 months, p = 0.015), hepatic tumor burden (59 vs 37 months, p = 0.009), and elevated AP (59 vs 23 months, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, only elevated AP (p = 0.001) predicted worse survival. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated AP prior to TACE for metastatic NET portends a worse survival outcome, even more so than tumor grade or extent of hepatic disease.

Transarterial chemoembolization is ineffective for neuroendocrine tumors metastatic to the caudate lobe: a single institution review.

BACKGROUND: Caudate lobe liver metastases occur commonly in patients with neuroendocrine tumors. It is unknown, however, how these lesions respond to regional therapy and how their presence impacts outcomes. We reviewed our experience treating these lesions using transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS: We reviewed radiographic response to TACE in 86 patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors to the liver. We determined the impact of caudate lesions on outcomes in comparison to the cohort of patients without caudate lesions, as well as response of caudate lesions to TACE versus lesions elsewhere in the liver. RESULTS: Caudate lesions were identified in 45 (52%) patients. All patients had disease in other liver segments. Only seven caudate lesions (12.3%) had a radiographic response to TACE, whereas 82% of lesions elsewhere in the liver demonstrated a response. The presence or absence of a caudate lesion did not impact the overall radiographic (82.2% vs. 82.9%), symptomatic (64.4% vs. 56.1%), or biochemical (97.6% vs. 88.9%) response to TACE (P > 0.1 for all). However, median overall survival was reduced in those presenting with caudate lesions (87.1 vs. 45.6 months, P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic neuroendocrine tumors to the caudate lobe respond poorly to TACE. Symptomatic or threatening caudate lobe lesions should be considered for palliative resection in spite of additional inoperable liver metastases.

Microwave ablation for hepatic malignancies: a multiinstitutional analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study hypothesized that tumor size, number of tumors, surgical approach, and tumor histology significantly affected microwave ablation (MWA) success and recurrence-free survival. BACKGROUND: Although many hepatobiliary centers have adopted MWA, the factors that influence local control are not well described. METHODS: Consecutive patients with hepatic malignancy treated by MWA were included from 4 high-volume institutions (2003-2011) and grouped by histology: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), colorectal liver metastases, neuroendocrine liver metastases, and other cancers. Independent significance of outcome variables was established with logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Four hundred fifty patients were treated with 473 procedures (139 HCC, 198 colorectal liver metastases, 61 neuroendocrine liver metastases, and 75 other) for a total of 875 tumors. Median follow-up was 18 months. Concurrent hepatectomy was performed in 178 patients (38%), and when performed was associated with greater morbidity. Complete ablation was confirmed for 839 of 865 tumors (97.0%) on follow-up cross-sectional imaging (10 were unevaluable). A surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, or percutaneous) had no significant impact on complication rates, recurrence, or survival. The local recurrence rate was 6.0% overall and was highest for HCC (10.1%, P = 0.045) and percutaneously treated lesions (14.1%, P = 0.014). In adjusted models, tumor size 3 cm or more predicted poorer recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.02-2.50, P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: In this large data set, patients with 3 cm or more tumors showed a propensity for early recurrence, regardless of histology. Higher rates of local recurrence were noted in HCC patients, which may reflect underlying liver disease. There were no significant differences in morbidity or survival based on the surgical approach; however, local recurrence rates were highest for percutaneously ablated tumors.

Extrahepatic disease should not preclude transarterial chemoembolization for metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is often utilized for patients with inoperable neuroendocrine carcinoma liver metastases. Often, metastatic disease is not limited to the liver. The impact of extrahepatic disease (EHD) on outcomes and response after TACE has not been described. METHODS: We reviewed 192 patients who underwent TACE for large hepatic tumor burden, progression of liver metastases, or poorly controlled carcinoid syndrome due to neuroendocrine carcinoma. Demographics, clinicopathologic characteristics, response to TACE, complications, and survival were compared between patients with (n = 123) and without (n = 69) EHD. RESULTS: Demographics, histopathologic characteristics, and complications were similar between groups. As well, those with and without EHD had similar biochemical (85 vs. 88 %) and radiographic response (76 vs. 79 %) to TACE (all p = NS); however, symptomatic responses were improved in those with EHD (79 vs. 60 %, p = 0.01). The group without EHD had better overall survival compared to those with EHD disease at the time of TACE (median 62 vs. 28 months, p = 0.001). DISCUSSION: Although patients with EHD from neuroendocrine carcinoma experience shorter overall survival after TACE compared to those without EHD, they had similar symptomatic, biochemical, and radiographic response to TACE. Meaningful response to TACE is still possible in the presence of EHD and should be considered, particularly in those with carcinoid syndrome.

Best radiological response to trans-arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma does not imply better outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Regional therapy with trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a common treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Outcomes were examined in patients with the best radiological response (BR) after the initial TACE. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent TACE as the initial treatment for HCC between the years 2000 and 2010. BR was defined as complete disappearance of the tumour or no enhancement with contrast on the first cross-sectional imaging study after the initial TACE. RESULTS: Seventy-eight out of 104 total consecutive patients were identified with the potential for a BR to TACE therapy for unresectable HCC, and 24 met the criteria for BR. Patients with BR had a median survival of 12.8 months (2.2-54.9) compared with 18.9 months(1.3-56.7) for the entire cohort (P= 0.313). The median time to progression was 10.6 months (1.2-24.3) in the BR group and 3.2 months (0.7-49.2) in the patients without a BR (P= 0.003). DISCUSSION: BR to initial TACE for unresectable HCC is associated with comparable survival to those without BR in spite of a longer time to cancer progression. It may be reasonable to consider further therapy such as repeat TACE or biological/systemic therapy in patients with HCC even when the radiological response to the initial TACE is favourable.

Inflammatory markers are associated with outcome in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization.

BACKGROUND: The serum neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with outcomes in several solid organ cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We reviewed our experience in patients with HCC who underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as the initial treatment. Serum complete blood counts were used to calculate the NLR before and after TACE. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine survival and significant differences between groups by the log-rank test. RESULTS: There were 103 patients identified who underwent TACE for HCC. The median age was 60.5 years. Median overall survival was 12.6 (95% confidence interval 8.3-17) months. Median survival in patients with a high preprocedural NLR was 4.2 months compared to 15 months in those with a normal NLR (p = 0.021). In those whose NLR either rose 1 month after treatment or remained elevated, survival was worse compared to those who normalized or remained normal (18.6 vs. 10.6 months, p = 0.026). The same was true at 6 months (21.3 vs. 9.5 months, p = 0.002). An unresponsive NLR was associated with very poor outcome (median survival 3.7 months). Multivariate analysis of clinicopathologic factors showed that presence of extrahepatic disease and high NLR were independent factors associated with worse survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that periprocedural trends of serum NLR are associated with outcome in unresectable HCC undergoing TACE. Serum NLR is easy to calculate from a routine complete blood count with differential. Along with liver function, serum NLR may be helpful to clinicians in providing prognostic information and monitoring response to therapy.

Yttrium-90 radioembolization as salvage therapy for colorectal cancer with liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Few patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are candidates for resection of their hepatic disease. Yttrium-90 ((90)Y) radioembolization has promise in the treatment of unresectable mCRC. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the efficacy in patients with refractory mCRC who underwent (90)Y radioembolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with unresectable mCRC with liver metastases treated at The Ohio State University were included in this analysis. Demographic data, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) values, observed toxicities, and information on prior therapies were collected. Response was assessed by RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) 1.1 criteria. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (median age, 63 years) were included. Of the patients, 54% had extrahepatic disease; 67% had bilobar involvement. The patients had received a median of 3 prior therapies. No objective responses were observed. Five patients had a CEA response. Median PFS and OS were 3.9 months (95% CI, 2.4-4.8 months) and 8.9 months (95% CI, 4.2-16.7 months), respectively. Patients older than 65 years had improved PFS (4.6 vs. 2.4 months) and OS (14 vs. 5.5 months) vs. younger patients, likely due to receipt of (90)Y treatment earlier in their disease course. The presence of extrahepatic disease and the absence of CEA response appeared negatively predictive of efficacy. Toxicities were expected and manageable. CONCLUSION: (90)Y radioembolization is active in select patients with refractory mCRC and with liver metastases, and is safe and well tolerated in the elderly. In patients with extensive extrahepatic disease, (90)Y should be used in combination with chemotherapy. CEA may be a predictor of efficacy.

Persistent left superior vena cava: review of the literature, clinical implications, and relevance of alterations in thoracic central venous anatomy as pertaining to the general principles of central venous access device placement and venography in cancer patients.

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) represents the most common congenital venous anomaly of the thoracic systemic venous return, occurring in 0.3% to 0.5% of individuals in the general population, and in up to 12% of individuals with other documented congential heart abnormalities. In this regard, there is very little in the literature that specifically addresses the potential importance of the incidental finding of PLSVC to surgeons, interventional radiologists, and other physicians actively involved in central venous access device placement in cancer patients. In the current review, we have attempted to comprehensively evaluate the available literature regarding PLSVC. Additionally, we have discussed the clinical implications and relevance of such congenital aberrancies, as well as of treatment-induced or disease-induced alterations in the anatomy of the thoracic central venous system, as they pertain to the general principles of successful placement of central venous access devices in cancer patients. Specifically regarding PLSVC, it is critical to recognize its presence during attempted central venous access device placement and to fully characterize the pattern of cardiac venous return (i.e., to the right atrium or to the left atrium) in any patient suspected of PLSVC prior to initiation of use of their central venous access device.

Yttrium-90 microsphere induced gastrointestinal tract ulceration.

BACKGROUND: Radiomicrosphere therapy (RT) utilizing yttrium-90 (90Y) microspheres has been shown to be an effective regional treatment for primary and secondary hepatic malignancies. We sought to determine a large academic institution's experience regarding the extent and frequency of gastrointestinal complications. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2007, 27 patients underwent RT for primary or secondary hepatic malignancies. Charts were subsequently reviewed to determine the incidence and severity of GI ulceration. RESULTS: Three patients presented with gastrointestinal bleeding and underwent upper endoscopy. Review of the pretreatment angiograms showed normal vascular anatomy in one patient, sclerosed hepatic vasculature in a patient who had undergone prior chemoembolization in a second, and an aberrant left hepatic artery in a third. None had undergone prophylactic gastroduodenal artery embolization. Endoscopic findings included erythema, mucosal erosions, and large gastric ulcers. Microspheres were visible on endoscopic biopsy. In two patients, gastric ulcers were persistent at the time of repeat endoscopy 1-4 months later despite proton pump inhibitor therapy. One elderly patient who refused surgical intervention died from recurrent hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal ulceration is a known yet rarely reported complication of 90Y microsphere embolization with potentially life-threatening consequences. Once diagnosed, refractory ulcers should be considered for aggressive surgical management.

Hepatic artery chemoembolization in 122 patients with metastatic carcinoid tumor: lessons learned.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery chemoembolization (HACE) is a treatment option in the management of metastatic carcinoid. We reviewed our experience to identify potential factors that influence survival. METHODS: The records of 122 patients with metastatic carcinoid tumor undergoing HACE were reviewed. Log-rank analysis and Cox proportional hazards were applied to identify factors predictive of decreased survival. RESULTS: Median follow-up after HACE was 21.5 months. Complications occurred in 23% with periprocedural mortality of 5%. Radiographic tumor regression was seen in 82%, with stabilization of disease in 12%. Median duration of CT response was 19 months. Improvement in symptoms occurred in 92% for median duration of 13 months. HACE resulted in complete normalization of serum pancreastatin in 14%, with greater than 20% reduction in another 66%. Median overall survival was 33.3 months after HACE. Only pancreastatin level > or =5,000 pg/ml was associated with decreased survival by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: HACE offers symptom palliation and long-term survival in patients with incurable carcinoid metastases. Although safe, it should be approached cautiously in patients with significant tumor burden as evidenced by pancreastatin levels > or =5,000 pg/ml. We do not recommend whole-liver embolization in these patients but prefer a staged approach to each lobe of the liver.

Proposed pathogenesis of idiopathic loin pain-hematuria syndrome.

BACKGROUND: To study loin pain-hematuria syndrome (LPHS) pathogenesis, we evaluated 43 consecutive patients for whom urological evaluation failed to disclose the cause of their recurrent flank pain and hematuria. Each underwent percutaneous kidney biopsy. In 9 patients, the biopsy specimen showed immunoglobulin A nephritis, an established cause of LPHS. We suggest these cases be designated secondary LPHS. They are not included in this analysis. The remaining patients (N = 34) are designated idiopathic (primary) LPHS. They are the basis of this report. METHODS: Demographics of patients with primary LPHS are mean age of 30.8 +/- 10.3 years; 74% women; 94% white; and history of kidney stones, 47%, although none was obstructing. RESULTS: Primary LPHS kidney biopsy specimens showed red blood cells (RBCs) in multiple tubules, consistent with glomerular hematuria. Glomeruli were normal by means of light and immunofluorescent microscopy; however, more than 50% of biopsy specimens showed unusually thin or thick glomerular basement membranes. To assess whether the biopsy itself caused RBCs in tubules, we compared RBCs in renal tubular cross-sections from primary LPHS biopsies with those of normal kidneys (donors, n = 10). The mean percentage of tubular cross-sections containing RBCs was greater in primary LPHS than normal specimens (7.2% +/- 6.5% versus 1.6% +/- 1.0% [SD]; P < 0.0001), confirming glomerular hematuria in patients with primary LPHS. CONCLUSION: Primary LPHS pathogenesis includes glomerular hematuria, apparently from structurally abnormal glomerular basement membrane. Primary LPHS pain may be initiated by obstructing RBC casts and perhaps microcrystals in those with a history of urolithiasis. Nevertheless, other factors are needed to explain the severe pain in patients with primary LPHS.

Magnetic resonance angiography for preoperative evaluation of potential kidney donors.

BACKGROUND: Careful evaluation of the renovascular anatomy for living kidney donors is essential to optimize donor and recipient outcomes. Arteriography has been the standard for delineating the renovascular anatomy. However, this procedure is invasive. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is an attractive, noninvasive alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of MRA in potential living kidney donors. METHODS: A retrospective comparison of the preoperative MRA results with the intraoperative anatomy was performed in 189 living kidney donors. RESULTS: MRA interpretations correctly identified the vascular anatomy of the donor kidneys in 173 donors (91.5%). In the remaining 16 patients (8.5%), the MRA interpretation was inaccurate. In 10 patients, the MRA reported fewer arteries than the number encountered during the donor operation, whereas in six patients MRA reported more arteries than what found during operation. In seven patients, MRA supplied additional important anatomical information, including kidney size disparity, the presence of nephrolithiasis, the presence of a renal cyst, and renal artery stenosis. All kidneys were successfully transplanted. The misinterpretation of the MRA did not adversely affect the recipient outcome. CONCLUSION: The noninvasive MRA evaluation of donor renovascular anatomy is an acceptable substitute for traditional angiography.