Assessment of transplant renal artery stenosis renal function with ASL-MRI and IVIM-MRI

Motivation: Noninvasive assessment of renal function is necessary in transplanted renal artery stenosis (TRAS), which significantly impacts graft function and prognosis. Goal(s): The purpose was to evaluate renal function in patients with TRAS using ASL-MRI and IVIM-MRI. Approach: We used ASL-MRI and IVIM-MRI to evaluate renal blood flow (RBF), D, D*, and f in TRAS, and analyzed their correlation with eGFR. Results: Renal allograft in the stenosis group displayed notably lower RBF and f, both of which were positively associated with eGFR. This research highlights the importance of noninvasive techniques like ASL-MRI and IVIM-MRI in the clinical management of TRAS. Impact: This study demonstrates that TRAS reduces renal perfusion, thereby affecting transplanted kidney function. ASL-MRI and IVIM-MRI can indirectly and noninvasive reflect renal function impacted by TRAS, providing valuable information for treatment decisions and active monitoring.