Contrast-enhanced three-dimensional fast spoiled gradient-echo renal MR imaging: evaluation of vascular and nonvascular disease.

Breath-hold contrast material enhanced three-dimensional (3D) fast spoiled gradient-echo (FSPGR) sequences are valuable techniques for evaluation of renal arteries and veins and diagnosis of significant renal arterial stenosis at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The excellent spatial and contrast resolution with these techniques, combined with the ability to perform studies in multiple vascular phases, also make them attractive for the diagnosis of a wide range of nonvascular processes that affect the kidneys, including renal infections, renal parenchymal diseases, and renal trauma. Particularly when combined with T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging, the contrast-enhanced techniques are highly effective for characterization of renal masses owing to the ability to portray dynamic contrast enhancement. The ability to display venous structures with contrast-enhanced 3D FSPGR techniques helps staging of renal cell carcinoma. This article presents examples of the wide range of vascular and nonvascular renal diseases that may be effectively imaged with contrast material enhanced 3D FSPGR techniques and illustrates the usefulness of the techniques for renal MR imaging.