Feasibility and Optimal b-value combination for DWI-based Virtual Elastography in assessing Chronic Kidney Disease Function

Motivation: The DWI-based virtual MR elastography(vMRE) is still in the research in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Goal(s): To investigate shifted apparent diffusion coefficient (sADC) and virtual shear modulus (μdiff) for assessing CKD renal function and determine the optimal b-value combination. Approach: This study included 54 controls and 58 CKD patients, divided into CKD1-3 and CKD4-5 subgroups. 3.0T MRI with multi-b-value DWI sequence. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, Spearman, partial correlation, and receiver-operating characteristic curves, compared using DeLong's test. Results: sADC and vMRE were effective in assessing renal function and diagnosing CKD, with b-value of 200-800 s/mm² recommended as optimal. Impact: This study shows that virtual magnetic resonance elastography non-invasively assesses chronic kidney disease (CKD) renal function, with optimal b-values of 200-800s/mm2, providing a new imaging biomarker for the clinical assessment of CKD.