Functional evaluation of transplanted kidneys using arterial spin labeling MRI

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Nephrology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Renal allograft recipients require regular functional assessment.
• Non-contrast-enhanced imaging techniques are desirable to minimize patient risk.
• Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) MRI offers a non-invasive method for assessing tissue perfusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of non-contrast-enhanced arterial spin labeling (ASL) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for assessing the function of transplanted kidneys.
• To compare ASL MRI performance at 1.5 Tesla (T) and 3T magnetic field strengths.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-eight renal allograft recipients underwent ASL MRI at 1.5T or 3T using a FAIR True-FISP sequence.
• Regional cortical ASL perfusion was analyzed and compared between patients with good/moderate function (eGFR > 30 mL/min/1.73 m²) and poor function (eGFR ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73 m²).
• ASL perfusion values were correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Main Results:

• ASL perfusion and eGFR were comparable across 1.5T and 3T scanners.
• Significantly higher ASL perfusion was observed in patients with good/moderate allograft function compared to those with poor function (P < 0.0001).
• ASL perfusion values showed a significant positive correlation with eGFR (r = 0.59; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• Cortical ASL perfusion MRI can differentiate between varying levels of renal allograft function.
• ASL MRI demonstrates significant correlation with allograft function as measured by eGFR.
• ASL MRI shows promise as a valuable tool for the functional evaluation of renal allografts.