Study of Multi-b-Value Diffusion-Weighted Imaging at 3.0 T for Measuring Renal Function of Patients with Chronic Renal Failure

Abstract

To investigate the relationship between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values measured by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) on a 3.0T MR unit and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determined by renal imaging using Nuclear Medicine 99 Tcm-DTPA. 3.0T MRI DWI and 99 Tcm-DTPA renal imaging were simultaneously performed in 30 patients with chronic renal failure. The b values set for DWI imaging were 0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 s/mm2 and the ADC values of renal cortex were measured. 60 kidneys from the patients were classified into three groups according to the measurements of GFR: mildly impaired renal function, moderately impaired renal function and severely impaired renal function. ADC values of the three groups were compared to determine whether there existed statistic difference and the correlation between ADC values and GFR was also measured. Statistical difference was found in ADC values of the three groups and a positive correlation was identified between ADC values and GFR (r = 0.623). Multi-b-value diffusion-weighted MR imaging at 3.0 T can be used to assess renal filtration function.Abbreviation used: DWI, diffusion-weighted imaging; ADC, apparent diffusion coefficient; GFR, glomerular filtration rate; NEX, number of excitation.