Morphological and functional evaluation of chronic kidney disease using magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

X-ray computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US) and radionuclide scanning are important clinical methods for evaluating morphology of the kidney. These modalities are also applicable for estimating kidney function with time lapse analysis using proper contrast-media as may be necessary. In the case of US, it can estimate kidney function based on the measurement of blood flow using the Doppler effect. Formerly, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was an inappropriate diagnostic imaging technique for abdominal organs because of their respiratory displacements. However, MRI is now actively used for kidney as well as liver or other parenchymal organs, in tandem with the technological advances. Unlike unenhanced X-ray CT, “conventional” MRI can distinguish the border between cortex and medulla in T1 or T2 weighted images. It was known that the border blurred with decreasing kidney function. Moreover, several other particular imaging methods were introduced in recent years, and these could be called “functional” MRI. In this review, the following are discussed: functional MRI for chronic kidney disease, which include blood oxygenation level-dependent MRI for evaluation of hypoxia, diffusion-weighted imaging for evaluation of fibrosis, diffusion tensor imaging for evaluation of microstructure, and arterial spin labeling to evaluate the amount of organ perfusion, accompanied with several related articles. The ultimate goal of functional MRI is to provide useful in vivo information repeatedly for daily medical treatment non-invasively.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; Chronic kidney disease; Blood oxygenation level-dependent effect; Diffusion-weighted imaging; Diffusion tensor imaging; Arterial spin labeling; Fibrosis; Hypoxia; Functional magnetic resonance imaging

Core tip: Recent advances in diagnostic imaging technology allow us to evaluate the function of parenchymal organs such as kidney and liver. For example in the kidney, magnetic resonance imaging technique can visualize changes in the ratio of oxy-/deoxy-hemoglobin, the accumulation of extra cellular matrix, the alteration of microstructure of tubules and blood capillaries in the interstitium, and the amount of organ perfusion without using any contrast medium. Thus, with imaging technique, the nephrologist can evaluate a kidney from multiple points of view. This is an emerging modality, and it’s hoped-for mission is providing significant information for daily clinical decisions. Accumulation of further knowledge is keenly anticipated.