Imaging the kidney using magnetic resonance techniques: structure to function

Mahmoud, Huda; Buchanan, Charlotte; Francis, Susan T.; Selby, Nicholas M.

Abstract

Purpose of review
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the possibility to non-invasively assess both the structure and function of the kidney in a single MR scan session. This review summarises recent advancements in functional renal MRI techniques, with a particular focus on their clinical relevance.
Recent findings
A number of MRI techniques have been developed that provide non-invasive measures of relevance to the pathophysiology of kidney disease. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has been used in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal transplantation, and appears promising as a measure of renal impairment and fibrosis. Longitudinal relaxation time (T1) mapping has been utilised in cardiac MRI to measure fibrosis and oedema; recent work suggests its potential for assessment of the kidney. Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) MRI to measure renal oxygenation has been extensively studied, but a number of other factors affect results making it hard to draw definite conclusions as to its utility as an independent measure. Phase contrast and arterial spin labelling (ASL) can measure renal artery blood flow and renal perfusion respectively without exogenous contrast, in contrast to dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) studies. Current data on clinical use of such functional renal MR measures is largely restricted to cross-sectional studies.
Summary
Renal MRI has seen significant recent interest and advances. Current evidence demonstrates its potential, and next steps include wider evaluation of its clinical application.

Citation

Mahmoud, H., Buchanan, C., Francis, S. T., & Selby, N. M. (2016). Imaging the kidney using magnetic resonance techniques: structure to function. Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, 25(6), https://doi.org/10.1097/MNH.0000000000000266

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 1, 2016
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Dec 21, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 21, 2016
• Journal: Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension
• Print ISSN: 1062-4821
• Electronic ISSN: 1473-6543
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 6
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/MNH.0000000000000266
• Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion-tensor imaging, blood oxygen level dependent MRI, arterial spin labelling, dynamic contrast enhanced MRI, chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, transplantation
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/819943
• Additional Information: This is a non-final version of an article published in final form in Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, v. 25(6), p. 487-493.