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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Registered Bioimaging of Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Monitoring
Published on: December 9, 2010
[Functional MRI of transplanted kidneys using diffusion-weighted imaging]
D Blondin1, R S Lanzman, C Mathys
1Institut für Radiologie, Uniklinikum Düsseldorf, Germany. blondin@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
Purpose:
Contrast-enhanced MRI is considered problematic in renal allograft recipients due to the association of gadolinium administration and the development of NSF. Therefore, we assessed the clinical value of mono- and biexponential analysis of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).
Materials And Methods:
A total of 32 patients were divided into four groups: (a) patients with stable function of renal allograft for at least 6 months, (b) patients with acute deterioration of allograft function, patients who recently underwent transplantation (< 14 days) with good (c) or decreased (d) renal function. T 2w ax. and T 1w cor. and a diffusion-weighted sequence with 16 b-values (b = 0 - 750 s/mm (2)) were performed on a 1.5 T scanner (Magnetom Avanto, Siemens Medical Solutions). ROI-based analysis of the renal cortex was analyzed using the software "Table Curve 2D".
Results:
Monoexponential analysis showed an ADC (mono) of 1961 +/- 104 1801 +/- 150, 2053 +/- 169 and 1720 +/- 191 10 (-6)mm (2) /sec for patient group a, b, c and d respectively. The difference in ADC (mono) between group (a) and (b) (p < 0.006) and between group (c) and (d) (p < 0.04) was statistically significant. Biexponential analysis revealed a mean perfusion fraction of 0.21, 0.23, 0.32 and 0.24 for group (a), (b), (c) and (d), respectively. Biexponential ADC showed a higher numerical accuracy. There were no statistically significant inter-group differences in diffusion (ADC (D)) and perfusion (ADC (P)).
Conclusion:
Unenhanced evaluation of renal allografts with DWI is feasible. ADC (mono) of renal cortex correlates with renal function. The significance of the higher numerical accuracy of biexponential analysis in clinical settings requires further evaluation in larger-scale studies.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) offers a viable, unenhanced method for assessing renal allografts. Monoexponential apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values correlate with renal function, aiding in clinical evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Nephrology
- Medical Imaging
Context:
- Contrast-enhanced MRI is contraindicated in renal allograft recipients due to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) risk.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) presents an alternative for evaluating renal allografts without contrast agents.
Purpose:
- To assess the clinical utility of mono- and biexponential analysis of DWI in renal allograft recipients.
- To determine if DWI can differentiate between stable and deteriorating allograft function.
Summary:
- Monoexponential apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) analysis showed significant differences between stable and acutely deteriorating allografts.
- Biexponential analysis provided higher numerical accuracy but lacked statistically significant inter-group differences in diffusion and perfusion parameters.
- Unenhanced DWI is feasible for renal allograft evaluation, with ADC (mono) correlating to renal function.
Impact:
- DWI provides a safe, contrast-free imaging option for renal allograft assessment.
- Findings suggest ADC (mono) can serve as a biomarker for renal allograft function.
- Further large-scale studies are needed to validate the clinical significance of biexponential analysis.
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