Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of computed tomographic (CT) angiography in the detection of renal artery stenosis (RAS).
Materials and methods: CT angiography was performed in 31 patients undergoing conventional renal arteriography. CT angiographic data were reconstructed with shaded surface display (SSD) and maximum-intensity projection (MIP). Stenosis was graded with a four-point scale (grades 0-3). The presence of mural calcification, poststenotic dilatation, and nephrographic abnormalities was also noted.
Results: CT angiography depicted all main (n = 62) and accessory (n = 11) renal arteries that were seen at conventional arteriography. MIP CT angiography was 92% sensitive and 83% specific for the detection of grade 2-3 stenoses (> or = 70% stenosis). SSD CT angiography was 59% sensitive and 82% specific for the detection of grade 2-3 stenoses. The accuracy of stenosis grading was 80% with MIP and 55% with SSD CT angiography. Poststenotic dilatation and the presence of an abnormal nephrogram were 85% and 98% specific, respectively.
Conclusion: CT angiography shows promise in the diagnosis of RAS. The accuracy of CT angiography varies with the three-dimensional rendering technique employed.