Arterial spin labeling in assessment of interstitial fibrosis in renal allografts

Motivation: Renal interstitial fibrosis, a prevalent, irreversible, progressive chronic kidney injury, emerges as a crucial prognostic determinant for kidney transplantation. Goal(s): To explore the feasibility and performance of arterial spin labeling (ASL) in evaluating the degree of renal fibrosis after renal transplantation. Approach: ASL was performed on 64 renal transplantation recipients. ASL parameters were obtained and analyzed. Results: The study revealed a noteworthy negative correlation between the measured renal blood flow values, obtained through ASL, and the degree of interstitial fibrosis in transplanted kidneys. ASL can effectively differentiate various degrees of fibrosis in transplanted kidneys. Impact: Using ASL technology, it is possible to non-invasively assess the degree of fibrotic changes in transplanted kidneys and the progression of kidney function, thereby achieving early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.