Diffusion tensor imaging of the healthy feline kidney

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and its derived parameters, such as apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD) and axial diffusivity (AD) of the feline kidneys.MethodsA total of 17 cats with clinically normal urinary tracts underwent 3 T MRI with DTI sequence (b-values of 0 and 800 s/mm², 15 diffusion directions). DTI images were analysed and sampled in manually drawn regions of interest (ROIs) on three transverse slices, with two different sampling methods (small and large ROIs), on the cortex and on the medulla separately, and on the entire parenchyma.ResultsDTI images of the kidneys of 17 cats were analysed. ADC, FA, RD and AD values differed significantly between the cortex and medulla with both sampling methods.Conclusions and relevanceThe results of the present study indicate microstructural similarities between feline and human kidneys. This study provides baseline data for healthy feline kidneys for future potential application in the early diagnosis of renal pathologies in cats.