Diffusion-Weighted Imaging with T2 Mapping for Evaluation of Delayed Renal Function Recovery after Renal...

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Imaging
• Nephrology
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• Delayed graft function (DGF) is a common complication after renal transplantation, impacting long-term outcomes.
• Early and accurate evaluation of DGF is crucial for timely management and improved graft survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical utility of combining diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with T2 mapping for the early diagnosis of DGF.
• To identify imaging biomarkers predictive of DGF in renal transplant recipients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 92 renal transplant recipients.
• Postoperative MRI including DWI and T2 mapping of transplanted kidneys.
• Patients categorized into normal graft function (NGF) and DGF groups based on early recovery.

Main Results:

• The DGF group showed significantly lower apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in both cortex and medulla compared to the NGF group (P < 0.05).
• The DGF group exhibited significantly higher T2 values in both cortex and medulla than the NGF group (P < 0.05).
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) correlated positively with cortical and medullary ADC values and negatively with medullary T2 values. Age, creatinine, eGFR, ADC, and T2 values were independent predictors of DGF, achieving an AUC of 0.895 for joint prediction.

Conclusions:

• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) combined with T2 mapping demonstrates significant differential diagnostic value for DGF.
• These imaging techniques offer a promising non-invasive approach for early DGF evaluation in renal transplantation.