MRE-derived Anisotropic Stiffness Estimation in Kidneys

Motivation: Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) can determine tissue isotropic stiffness measurements to assess kidney disease and injury. Similarly, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in combination with MRE can provide additional information regarding tissue health through anisotropic stiffness. Goal(s): The goal of this study is to compute tissue isotropic and anisotropic stiffness of the cortex, medulla, and whole kidney to compare against both measurements. Approach: 9 subjects were imaged for both MRE and DTI scans to estimate isotropic and anisotropic stiffness, respectively. Results: Preliminary results indicate a good correlation between isotropic stiffness and anisotropic stiffness in all regions. Impact: The application of MRI diffusion scans in conjunction with MRE shows promise in elucidating hard to detect disease and injury in human kidney.