Evaluation of complete and partially obstructed kidneys using Gd-DTPA enhanced dynamic MRI in adolescent swine

Aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamic changes in renal relative signal intensity (RSI) following the administration of Gd-DTPA in adolescent pigs with complete and partial unilateral ureteric obstruction.

Pigs were divided into 3 groups: partial and complete unilateral ureteric obstruction and controls. Complete unilateral ureteric obstruction (CUUO) was created by ligating the left ureter, whereas partial unilateral ureteric obstruction (PUUO) was created in pigs of 2 weeks of age by embedding the left ureter into the psoas muscle. Dynamic MRI was performed before and at 0 - 60 min after an intravenous bolus injection of Gd-DTPA. Mean RSI of the renal cortex, medulla and pelvis was measured and interpreted as an indirect measure of the renal function. In addition, renography was performed, and renal morphology was examined IN VITRO.

Three phases of RSI were identified. The dynamic RSI patterns differed markedly between obstructed and control kidneys. In PUUO kidneys, Phase 1 of the mean RSI of the cortex and medulla demonstrated a decreased amplitude and prolonged duration, whereas in Phase 2 the mean RSI of the pelvis was increased. In acute CUUO kidneys, the mean RSI patterns were similar to those of controls, except for a significant increase of the pelvic mean RSI.

Gd-DTPA enhanced dynamic MRI allowed a characterization and differentiation of renal function and morphology of normal and obstructed kidneys, and secondly, provided potentially important information on renal concentrative and filtration availability.