Renal functional MRI: Are we ready for clinical application?

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2009 Jun;192(6):1550-7. doi: 10.2214/AJR.09.2390.

Abstract

Objective: We review the basics of functional renal imaging and highlight a few clinical applications.

Conclusion: Techniques such as contrast-enhanced MR renography, diffusion-weighted imaging, and blood oxygen level-dependent MRI have been investigated in animal models and in a few human studies. Functional renal imaging is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to provide new insight into the pathophysiology of renal disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Kidney Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Kidney Function Tests / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*