Influence of age on parameters of multiparametric functional renal MRI: A prospective exploratory study

To investigate the ability of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to non-invasively assess the influence of aging on renal microstructure and function.

This prospective, diagnostic, IRB-approved study included healthy volunteers over 18 years of age who underwent renal mpMRI at 3 Tesla. The mpMRI study protocols included T1, T2, and T2* mapping, arterial spin labeling, and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion imaging. Participants were stratified into three predefined age groups. Associations between MRI-derived renal biomarkers and age were assessed using Pearson or Spearman correlation, ANOVA, simple and multivariable linear regression analysis.

A total of 46 healthy volunteers were included and stratified into three age groups (20-40, 40-60, and 60 + years). T1 medullary (T1 M) relaxation times significantly decreased with age (p < 0.01), accompanied by a reduction in T2* medullary (T2* M) values (p < 0.01) and renal blood flow (RBF) as measured by ASL (p = 0.03). No significant associations were observed between age and IVIM parameters or T2 times. MRI-derived values showed no correlation with serum creatinine in healthy volunteers.

Our findings suggest that changes in renal microstructure and function can be quantified using mpMRI, with T1 M and T2* M values as well as RBF emerging as potential imaging biomarkers for renal aging. The ability to assess renal physiology non-invasively using functional MRI may provide a valuable tool for distinguishing physiological renal aging from early pathological deterioration. This approach may enhance early detection of kidney disease and risk stratification in nephrology.

Can multiparametric renal MRI non-invasively detect age-related changes in kidney microstructure in healthy adults?

Medullary T1 and T2* values as well as renal blood flow significantly decline with increasing age in healthy volunteers.

Multiparametric MRI enables early, non-invasive assessment of physiological renal aging and may assist in differentiating early kidney disease from normal aging.