Clinical Functional MRI of the kidneys

Abstract

In functional renal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), advanced techniques are applied to obtain information on a functional and molecular level from the kidney tissue beyond pure morphology. Techniques such as diffusion-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging, arterial spin labelling, and blood oxygenation level-dependent imaging provide potential biomarkers of organ function. Moreover, dynamic contrast-enhanced techniques after the intra-venous injection of gadolinium-chelates may be used to assess glomerular filtration and urinary excretion. This review summarizes recent developments of contrast- and non-contrast-enhanced MRI techniques for assessment of renal function in a clinical setting. The physiological background and the sequence techniques are described in detail. Potential clinical applications of the different techniques are discussed regarding their potential usefulness in the assessment of parenchymal diseases, urinary tract anomalies, transplant kidney function, and renal masses.