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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Mouse Kidney Transplantation: Models of Allograft Rejection
Published on: October 11, 2014
Diffusion-attenuated MRI signal of renal allografts: comparison of two different statistical models
Dirk Blondin1, Rotem Shlomo Lanzman, Janina Klasen
1Institute of Radiology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Duesseldorf, Germany. blondin@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
Objective:
Contrast-enhanced MRI is considered problematic in renal allograft recipients because of the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Therefore, we assessed the clinical value of a monoexponential model and a distribution function model of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in renal allografts.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 23 patients were divided into three groups, as follows: group A, stable renal allograft function for at least 6 months; group B, transplantation within the past 30 days, with good renal allograft function; and group C, an acute deterioration or decrease in renal allograft function. T2-weighted axial, T1-weighted coronal, and a paracoronal DWI sequences with 16 b values (b = 0-750 s/mm(2)) were performed on a 1.5-T scanner. Region of interest-based analysis of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the renal cortex was used.
Results:
Monoexponential analysis showed mean (± SD) ADC values of 1932 ± 98, 2095 ± 246, and 1636 ± 200 10-(6) mm(2)/s for patient groups A, B, and C, respectively. The distribution function revealed a mean ADC of 2487 ± 185, 2850 ± 325, and 2142 ± 31410-(6) mm(2)/s for groups A, B, and C, respectively. The difference between groups A and B combined and group C (p < 0.005) was statistically significant for both models. R(2) yielded the best regression of mathematic fitting for the distribution function model (p < 0.0001).
Discussion:
Unenhanced evaluation of renal allografts with DWI correlated well with renal function for both the monoexponential analysis and the distribution function model. There was no statistically significant difference in ADC values and renal allograft function between both types of analysis, but the distribution function showed the best regression.
Insights
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) offers a safe, unenhanced method for assessing renal allograft function. Both monoexponential and distribution function models correlate with kidney function, with the latter showing better regression.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Nephrology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Contrast-enhanced MRI poses risks like nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in renal allograft recipients.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) presents an alternative, unenhanced imaging technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical utility of monoexponential and distribution function models of DWI for assessing renal allografts.
- To correlate DWI-derived apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values with renal allograft function.
Main Methods:
- 23 renal allograft recipients were categorized into stable function, recent transplant, and acute deterioration groups.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with 16 b values was performed on a 1.5-T scanner.
- Region of interest-based analysis of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the renal cortex was conducted.
Main Results:
- Both monoexponential and distribution function models showed statistically significant differences in ADC values between stable/recent and deteriorating renal allografts (p < 0.005).
- The distribution function model demonstrated superior mathematical fitting (R(2), p < 0.0001).
- No significant difference in ADC values was observed between the two DWI analysis models regarding renal allograft function.
Conclusions:
- Unenhanced DWI, using both monoexponential and distribution function models, effectively correlates with renal allograft function.
- The distribution function model offers improved regression analysis for DWI in renal allografts.
- DWI provides a valuable tool for monitoring renal allograft status without contrast agents.
