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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
10:46
Diffusion Imaging in the Rat Cervical Spinal Cord
Published on: April 7, 2015
Renal diffusion tensor imaging: is it possible to define the tubular pathway? A case report
Caterina Gaudiano1, Valeria Clementi, Fiorenza Busato
1Department of Digestive Diseases and Internal Medicine, Radiology Unit, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy. caterina.gaudiano@aosp.bo.it
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
|May 28, 2011
Summary
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) shows potential for detecting kidney structural changes in xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. This noninvasive tool may identify alterations before clinical symptoms appear.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a rare, severe kidney infection.
- Chronic lithiasis can be associated with pyelonephritis.
- Standard MRI protocols may not reveal early structural kidney damage.
Observation:
- A case of unilateral xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis with chronic lithiasis was studied.
- Both standard MRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) were utilized.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps were generated for both kidneys.
Findings:
- ADC and FA values from DTI were consistent with existing literature.
- Tractography successfully reconstructed the kidney's tubular architecture.
- Histology confirmed the tractography findings of renal architecture.
Implications:
- DTI shows promise as a noninvasive tool for assessing kidney structural integrity.
- DTI may detect subclinical structural alterations in the kidney.
- This technique could precede the onset of clinical and laboratory findings in kidney disease.
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