Related Experiment Videos
[Dynamic MRT after Gd-DTPA administration in kidney transplants: the susceptibility and T2 effects]
B Schnackenburg1, C Dewey, M Lüning
1Institut für Röntgendiagnostik, Bereich Medizin (Charité), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
Abstract:
35 kidney transplanted patients (15 without pathological findings and 20 with histologically proven chronic rejection) were investigated with a combination of dynamic MR and bolus application of Gd-DTPA. The occurrence of susceptibility artifacts and T2 effects at the junction between papilla and renal calix were analysed. There are two groups of patients. The first one shows only artifacts due to susceptibility. The second group indicates the so-called "dark ring pattern" (susceptibility artifacts and T2 effects). These effects are discussed in terms of their dependence on concentration and their dependence on the degree of transplant malfunction. The appearance of "dark-ring patterns" and of susceptibility artifacts indicate the functional status of the glomerular filters.
Insights
Dynamic MRI with Gd-DTPA reveals "dark ring patterns" in kidney transplants, indicating transplant malfunction. These susceptibility artifacts and T2 effects at the papilla-calix junction signal the functional status of glomerular filters.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Chronic rejection is a major cause of kidney transplant failure.
- Assessing transplant function non-invasively is crucial for patient management.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers potential for evaluating kidney allografts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of dynamic MRI with Gd-DTPA in detecting chronic rejection in kidney transplant recipients.
- To analyze susceptibility artifacts and T2 effects at the papilla-calix junction as indicators of transplant status.
Main Methods:
- 35 kidney transplant patients (15 healthy, 20 with chronic rejection) underwent dynamic MRI.
- A bolus injection of Gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA) was administered.
- Analysis focused on susceptibility artifacts and T2 effects at the renal papilla-calix junction.
Main Results:
- Two patterns were observed: susceptibility artifacts alone, and "dark ring patterns" (susceptibility artifacts with T2 effects).
- The "dark ring pattern" was associated with histologically proven chronic rejection.
- These MRI findings correlated with the degree of transplant malfunction and glomerular filtration status.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic MRI with Gd-DTPA can identify "dark ring patterns" indicative of chronic kidney transplant rejection.
- Susceptibility artifacts and T2 effects serve as valuable biomarkers for assessing transplant function.
- This imaging technique may aid in the early detection and management of kidney transplant dysfunction.