Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Assessment of Renal Function and Parenchymal Changes in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Preliminary Study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging for noninvasive assessment of pathologic changes in chronic kidney disease (CKD). MATERIAL/METHODS: Thirty-four patients with CKD and 20 healthy volunteers were examined on a 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit. The examination consisted of morphologic sequences and diffusion-weighted echo-planar sequence with 10 b values. Diffusion parameters were calculated with the use of mono- (apparent diffusion coefficient, ADC) and bi-exponential model: pure diffusion coefficient (D) and perfusion fraction (Fp). Blood samples to assess the serum creatinine level were taken immediately before examination. Ultrasound guided biopsies were performed in less than 30 days from MRI and were scored by an experienced nephropathologist. Parametrical unpaired t-test and ROC curve analysis were used to investigate differences in diffusion parameters in relation to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to assess relationship between diffusion parameters and laboratory and histopathological markers of renal damage. P-value <0.05 indicated statistical significance. RESULTS: Both ADC and D correlated positively with eGFR (respective r 0.74 and 0.72), however D showed a more significant correlation with histopathology: while D correlated negatively with parameters reflecting chronic glomerular (r −0.48) and tubulo-interstitial changes (r −0.47), ADC correlated only with interstitial infiltrations (r −0.44). Flow-related diffusion parameters showed high standard deviation. CONCLUSIONS: IVIM imaging is sensitive to functional and morphologic changes in CKD. The separation of influence of Fp from true diffusion improves the assessment of chronic changes in renal parenchyma.