Title:Functional Renal MRI
VOLUME: 8 ISSUE: 2
Author(s):Pottumarthi V. Prasad and Muhammad Haque
Affiliation:Center for Advanced Imaging Department of Radiology NorthShore University HealthSystem 2650 Ridge Avenue, Walgreen Jr. Bldg. Suite G507 Evanston, IL 60201, USA.
Keywords:Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), kidney, diffusion, arterial spin labeling (ASL), blood oxygenation level dependent
(BOLD), renal blood flow (RBF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
Abstract:The article provides a broad overview of functional MRI methods for evaluating the kidney. While the major
function of the kidney is excretion and maintenance of homeostasis, functional MRI methods include several techniques
that provide tissue characterization above and beyond anatomical depiction. We have divided the review under two major
sub-sections based endogenous and exogenous contrast mechanisms. Diffusion MRI, Arterial spin labeling based perfusion
MRI, blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) MRI, and sodium MRI are discussed under endogenous contrast
methods. Dynamic contrast enhanced methods to evaluate renal perfusion and excretory function are covered under exogenous
contrast mechanisms. A brief discussion on hyperpolarized MRI and pH measurements is also included. While
many of the methods are still considered investigational, where available we have included clinical examples.
