Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Renal Disease: Recent Developments and Future Applications

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the ability to non-invasively assess parenchymal and vascular renal disease. Indications for renal MRI include the evaluation of renal masses, urinary obstruction and infection, renal vasculature, and the health of transplant kidneys. The potential of MR angiography to replace invasive conventional x-ray angiography has been recognized for many years. Recent developments in MRI resulting from fast MR systems with faster gradients, new surface coil designs and the latest sequence developments coupled with innovative contrast agent administration strategies have prompted substantial progress of MRI in the diagnosis of renal disease. The goal of this article is to present the current state of MRI in diagnosing renal disease, with an emphasis on the latest developments in the evaluation of renal vascular disease.

Influence of oxygen and carbogen breathing on renal oxygenation measured by T2*‐weighted imaging at 3.0 T

“…In the last few years, notable advances have been achieved in the field of functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the kidneys (1)(2)(3). One of the most commonly applied techniques of renal functional MRI is the use of contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging, in which the uptake and excretion of gadolinium-based contrast agents is assessed (4)(5)(6), giving information regarding the perfusion and excretory capacity of the kidneys.…”

EUS-guided FNA aspiration of kidney masses: a multicenter U.S. experience

“…2 Current state-of-the-art imaging has improved not only detection but also characterization of renal masses. [3][4][5] In most patients, clinical management of renal masses can be initiated by radiographic features alone. In some patients, however, tissue sampling of the kidney may be required to (1) characterize radiographically indeterminate lesions, (2) confirm malignancy in patients who either are not surgical candidates or plan primary treatment with minimally invasive ablative therapy, or (3) guide preoperative planning of radical or partial nephrectomy.…”

Magnetic resonance imaging of urea transporter knockout mice shows renal pelvic abnormalities

“…While computed tomography is the main modality used for clinical imaging of the kidney, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is comparable in identification of renal lesions [8], and can provide a wide range of morphologic and functional information through techniques such as diffusion weighted imaging, dynamic contrast enhanced imaging, size selective contrast agents, and angiography [9;10]. Indeed, MRI has widespread application in the assessment of kidney disease, including visualization of cysts, tumors, obstructive uropathy, and vasculature [9;10].…”

“…Indeed, MRI has widespread application in the assessment of kidney disease, including visualization of cysts, tumors, obstructive uropathy, and vasculature [9;10]. …”