EXPRESS: Diffusion tensor imaging of the healthy feline kidney

Objectives: The 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. Methods: Seventeen cats with clinically normal urinary tract underwent 3 Tesla MRI with DTI sequence (b-values of b=0,800 s/mm2, 15 diffusion directions). DTI images were analyzed and sampled in manually drawn regions of interest (ROIs) on 3 transverse slices, with 2 different sampling methods (small and large ROIs), on the cortex and on the medulla separately, and on the entire parenchyma. Results: DTI images of the kidneys of 17 cats were analyzed. ADC, FA, RD, AD values differed significantly between cortex and medulla with both the sampling methods. Conclusion and relevance: The results of the present study indicate micro-structural similarities between feline and human kidneys. This study provides baseline data in healthy feline kidney for future potential application in the early diagnosis of renal pathologies in cats.