Abstract
The specialized function of the kidney is reflected in its unique structure, characterized by juxtaposition of disorganized and ordered elements, including renal glomerula, capillaries, and tubules. The key role of the kidney in blood filtration, and changes in filtration rate and blood flow associated with pathological conditions, make it possible to investigate kidney function using the motion of water molecules in renal tissue. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a versatile modality that sensitizes observable signal to water motion, and can inform on the complexity of the tissue microstructure. Several DWI acquisition strategies are available, as are different analysis strategies, and models that attempt to capture not only simple diffusion effects, but also perfusion, compartmentalization, and anisotropy. This chapter introduces the basic concepts of DWI alongside common acquisition schemes and models, and gives an overview of specific DWI applications for animal models of renal disease.This chapter is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This introduction chapter is complemented by two separate chapters describing the experimental procedure and data analysis.
Highlights
The dominant role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in particular diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), in the diagnosis and monitoring of renal disease is driven by the ability to provide simultaneous assessment of kidney anatomy and function
In view of the controversial study on Diffusion-weighted imaging comes in many variants, from simple to complex schemes, all based on indirect observation of water molecular motion, that are sensitive to changes in renal perfusion and tubular flow, alterations of cellularity arising from inflammation, edema, or hyperplasia, and from fibrosis
A recent review of the application of renal Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in humans [3] gives an overview of research performed so far and illustrates renal DWI potential in the clinic
Summary
Diffusion-weighted imaging comes in many variants, from simple to complex schemes, all based on indirect observation of water molecular motion, that are sensitive to changes in renal perfusion and tubular flow, alterations of cellularity arising from inflammation, edema, or hyperplasia, and from fibrosis. The strengths of DWI are not without accompanying drawbacks, which include the relatively long acquisition times required for advanced DWI protocols, an increased susceptibility to image artifacts, and an overall decreased spatial resolution due to the imaging sequences used. Careful consideration of both the research question to be addressed and the optimal acquisition parameters to be used, together with acquisition of complementary MRI modalities, can ameliorate some of these issues. This chapter discusses the underlying phenomena and contrast mechanisms of diffusion-weighted imaging.
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