Comparison of non-contrast in-flow inversion recovery (Inhance) steady state free precession renal MRA at 1.5T and 3T

Purpose: Contrast-enhanced MR Angiography (CE-MRA) is a widely accepted technique for evaluation of the renal arteries; however, recent concerns regarding the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) after gadolinium contrast agent administration in patients with reduced renal function have emphasized the need for robust non-contrast MRA methods. One such technique is steady state free precession with in-flow inversion recovery (Inhance). In early evaluation, Inhance has produced accurate and reliable images of the renal arteries in a variety of patients at 1.5T. Inhance at 3T offers both potential advantages (improved SNR) and limitations (increased image artifact). We compared image quality and diagnostic accuracy of Inhance at 1.5T and 3T in a series of volunteers and patients.