Aim: To compare results of MR angiography (MRA) with intraarterial DSA. To find out if MRA can rule out, or confirm renal artery stenosis, to detect accessory renal arteries or if it can help with PTA planning. Material and methods: A group of 12 patients, (7 M, 5 F, average age 58.3 [15–81] years) with MRA and DSA performed within a 3-week interval was evaluated. MRA was performed by Magnetom Vision 1.5 T (Siemens) using Pro-Hance and Multi-Hance (Altana Pharma) contrast medium. Intraarterial DSA was performed by Multistar (Siemens), being immediately followed by PTA if positive. Results:MRA diagnosed renal artery stenosis > 50 % in twelve arteries. DSA confirmed the diagnosis in eight of them. In all cases of negative MRA, DSA was negative as well. MRA sensitivity is 100 %, specificity 83.3 %, negative predictivity of MRA was 100 %. Both MRA and DSA detected two accessory renal arteries. Conclusion: MRA proved to be a valuable method of confirming or ruling out renal artery stenosis. If MRA is negative the stenosis can be ruled out and no further invasive procedure is necessary.

        Key words: MR angiography – renal arteries – stenosis – hypertension