Assessment of the kidneys: magnetic resonance angiography, perfusion and diffusion

Abstract

Renal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has undergone major improvements in the past several years. This review focuses on the technical basics and clinical applications of MR angiography (MRA) with the goal of enabling readers to acquire high-resolution, high quality renal artery MRA. The current role of contrast agents and their safe use in patients with renal impairment is discussed. In addition, an overview of promising techniques on the horizon for renal MR is provided. The clinical value and specific applications of renal MR are critically discussed.

Renal MR angiography and perfusion in the pig using hyperpolarized water

“…Both the radical and molecular oxygen in the sample induce dipolar relaxation that reduces the longitudinal relaxation time T 1 . Thus, the radical extraction in the organic phase as well as the oxygen removal during preparation are crucial elements for achieving long T 1 and, ultimately, high polarization after substance transferring. TEMPO was chosen without optimization as a good compromise between water solubility and preferential partitioning to the heptane phase.…”

“…Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is an important tool for diagnosing various medical conditions such as emboli, stenosis, and aneurysms. More specifically, renal artery MRA allows detection of renal vascular diseases such as fibromuscular dysplasia, venous thrombosis, and arterial dissection (1). Submillimeter resolution can be obtained with proton imaging, and further optimization can be obtained by employing vascular contrast agents such as gadolinium (Gd) based blood pool agents (2) or nanoparticles (3).…”

Assessment of Kidney Perfusion in Patients With Urolithiasis Using Radiological Methods

“…Результаты оценки эффективности МРУ в диагностике мочекаменной болезни дают возможность сделать выводы, что данная методика исследования точна в определении уровня и степени обструкции мочеточника по сравнению с внутривенной урографией [46] вого пассажа контрастных препаратов через сосудистую систему почек [47]. До настоящего времени единственными контрастными препаратами, применяемыми в клинической практике, по-прежнему остаются низкомолекулярные хелатные комплексы гадолиния (Gd) [48,49]. Исследование МРТ с внутривенным болюсным контрастированием с помощью гадолинийсодержащих препаратов позволяет оценивать различные состояния перфузии (определять участки гипо-и гиперперфузии) и судить об экскреторной функции почек.…”

Review of Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2012

“…Further to previous papers in JCMR on MRA techniques [ 11 ], and multifaceted assessment of the kidneys [ 12 ], Tan et al describe a single-shot 3D magnetization-prepared steady-state free precession technique was implemented to assess the renal arteries and compared with a more traditional navigator-based approach [ 13 ]. The initial results suggest a potential supplementary clinical role for the breath-hold technique in the evaluation of suspected renal artery diseases.…”