[Evaluation of glomerular filtration rate with magnetic resonance imaging]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Context:

• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a critical measure of kidney function and a gold standard for diagnosing renal dysfunction.
• Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE MRI) has emerged as a potential tool for GFR assessment.
• Gadolinium chelates are used as contrast agents to visualize kidney function via MRI.

Purpose:

• To present and discuss the methodologies for quantifying GFR using MRI.
• To highlight the challenges and limitations hindering the widespread clinical adoption of DCE MRI for GFR measurement.
• To identify steps necessary for standardizing MRI protocols for GFR assessment.

Summary:

• This paper reviews the application of DCE MRI in measuring GFR, a vital index of renal function.
• It details the process of visualizing contrast material passage through the kidneys using MRI.
• The heterogeneity in current DCE MRI protocols (acquisition, contrast dose, postprocessing) is discussed as a major obstacle.

Impact:

• Standardization of DCE MRI protocols is crucial for improving accuracy and reproducibility in GFR measurement.
• Overcoming technical challenges is necessary before DCE MRI can be reliably used in clinical practice for GFR assessment.
• Further research and consensus are needed to establish DCE MRI as a validated method for clinical GFR evaluation.