Multi-Parametric MRI using Quantitative Non-Contrast Imaging for the Evaluation of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Motivation: Multiparametric (mp) MRI can enable functional characterization of entire kidneys for the assessment of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Goal(s): To evaluate quantitative mpMRI for functional characterization in CKD patients and compare against healthy volunteers. Approach: Seven CKD patients and 6 healthy volunteers underwent MRI including ASL (perfusion), DWI (cellularity), BOLD (oxygenation), and MRE (fibrosis). Results: ASL measured perfusion was significantly lower in CKD patients compared to healthy volunteers (P<0.05), while DWI measured ADC was not different (P=0.36). BOLD measurement was statistically different in Medulla (T2*: P=0.009; R2*: P=0.05), but was not different in cortex (T2*: P=0.08; R2*: P=0.32). Impact: Multi-parametric MRI, particularly using ASL measured perfusion and BOLD measured R2* provides functional characterization of kidneys that could facilitate longitudinal monitoring and therapeutic interventions in CKD patients.