Test-retest repeatability of renal MRI parameters in healthy volunteers comparing ROI-based and tissue segmentation based image analysis

Motivation: Multiparametric MRI of the kidneys is a promising technique for renal diagnostics, but the diversity of imaging protocols and analysis strategies hinders clinical translation. Goal(s): Our goal was to assess the repeatability of a multiparametric MRI protocol comparing ROI-based and tissue segmentation based analysis. Approach: Ten volunteers were examined with a multiparametric MRI protocol including ASL, IVIM, BOLD, T1 and T2 mapping twice with one week between visits. Results: Good repeatability of the multiparametric protocol could be achieved. T1 and T2 values showed less variability compared to perfusion and diffusion related functional parameters. Tissue segmentation showed better repeatability compared to ROI-based analysis. Impact: Our study demonstrates relatively high repeatability of multiparametric functional MRI of the kidneys. The results of the image analysis methods suggest, that manual segmentation is to be preferred over ROI-based analysis, if automated segmentation is not available.