Three‐dimensional rotational angiography of transplanted renal arteries: influence of an extended angle of rotation on beam‐hardening artifacts

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate whether three‐dimensional rotational angiography (3D‐RA) of the transplant renal artery performed with an extended angle of rotation can reduce beam‐hardening artifacts in 3D reconstructed images without image quality being lost or side effects to the transplanted kidney being increased. Material and Methods: 3D‐RA with a C‐arm rotation of 180° was performed consecutively in 12 renal transplanted patients with suspicion of renal artery stenosis. A 1.7‐mm balloon occlusion catheter was placed using the crossover technique and this was compared to a protocol with 160° rotation and a traditional 1.4‐mm catheter in 10 patients. The occurrence of beam‐hardening artifacts was registered and the effects of the reduced contrast load on image quality and of arterial occlusion on renal function were assessed. Results: The extended angle of rotation, from 160° to 180°, reduced the beam‐hardening artifacts. Artifacts were observed in 4/11 patients (36%) in the study group and in all 10 (100%) of the controls. There was no statistical difference regarding image quality between the two protocols. Renal function was equally affected in both protocols. Conclusion: 3D‐RA with an extended C‐arm rotation reduced the beam‐hardening artifacts. Image quality was not reduced despite the reduced contrast medium load. The different protocols had no effect on patient outcome.