Multiparametric assessment of renal physiology in healthy volunteers using non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging.

Non-invasive methods of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can quantify parameters of kidney function. The main purpose of this study was to determine baseline values of such parameters in healthy volunteers. In 28 healthy volunteers (15 females, 13 males), Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) to estimate regional renal perfusion, Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) transverse relaxation rate (R2 *) to estimate oxygenation, and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC), true diffusion (D) and longitudinal relaxation time (T1 ) to estimate tissue properties were determined bilaterally in the cortex, outer and inner medulla. Additionally, phase contrast (PC) MRI was applied in the renal arteries to quantify total renal blood flow. The results demonstrated profound gradients of perfusion, ADC and D with highest values in the kidney cortex and a decrease towards the inner medulla. R2 * and T1 were lowest in kidney cortex and increased towards the inner medulla. Total renal blood flow correlated with body surface area, body mass index and renal volume. Similar patterns in all investigated parameters were observed in females and males. In conclusion, non-invasive MRI provides useful tools to evaluate intra renal differences in blood flow, perfusion, diffusion, oxygenation and structural properties of the kidney tissue. As such, this experimental approach has the potential to advance our current understanding regarding normal physiology and the pathological processes associated with acute and chronic kidney disease.