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Stabinska J, Wittsack HJ, Lerman LO, Ljimani A, Sigmund EE. Probing Renal Microstructure and Function with Advanced Diffusion MRI: Concepts, Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions. J Magn Reson Imaging 2023:10.1002/jmri.29127. [PMID: 37991093 PMCID: PMC11117411 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffusion measurements in the kidney are affected not only by renal microstructure but also by physiological processes (i.e., glomerular filtration, water reabsorption, and urine formation). Because of the superposition of passive tissue diffusion, blood perfusion, and tubular pre-urine flow, the limitations of the monoexponential apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) model in assessing pathophysiological changes in renal tissue are becoming apparent and motivate the development of more advanced diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) variants. These approaches take advantage of the fact that the length scale probed in DWI measurements can be adjusted by experimental parameters, including diffusion-weighting, diffusion gradient directions and diffusion time. This forms the basis by which advanced DWI models can be used to capture not only passive diffusion effects, but also microcirculation, compartmentalization, tissue anisotropy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in the field of renal DWI. Following a short introduction on renal structure and physiology, we present the key methodological approaches for the acquisition and analysis of renal DWI data, including intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), non-Gaussian diffusion, and hybrid IVIM-DTI. We then briefly summarize the applications of these methods in chronic kidney disease and renal allograft dysfunction. Finally, we discuss the challenges and potential avenues for further development of renal DWI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Stabinska
- F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hans-Jörg Wittsack
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Lilach O. Lerman
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Alexandra Ljimani
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Eric E. Sigmund
- Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging Center for Advanced Imaging Innovation and Research (CAI2R), New York University Langone Health, New York City, New York, USA
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Li X, Li Z, Liu L, Pu Y, Ji Y, Tang W, Chen T, Liang Q, Zhang X. Early assessment of acute kidney injury in severe acute pancreatitis with multimodal DWI: an animal model. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:7744-7755. [PMID: 37368106 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09782-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the feasibility of multimodal diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for detecting the occurrence and severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in rats. METHODS SAP was induced in thirty rats by the retrograde injection of 5.0% sodium taurocholate through the biliopancreatic duct. Six rats underwent MRI of the kidneys 24 h before and 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after this AKI model was generated. Conventional and functional MRI sequences were used, including intravoxel incoherent motion imaging (IVIM), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DTI). The main DWI parameters and histological results were analyzed. RESULTS The fast apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the renal cortex was significantly reduced at 2 h, as was the fractional anisotropy (FA) value of the renal cortex on DTI. The mean kurtosis (MK) values for the renal cortex and medulla gradually increased after model generation. The renal histopathological score was negatively correlated with the medullary slow ADC, fast ADC, and perfusion scores for both the renal cortex and medulla, as were the ADC and FA values of the renal medulla in DTI, whereas the MK values of the cortex and medulla were positively correlated (r = 0.733, 0.812). Thus, the cortical fast ADC, medullary MK, FADTI, and slow ADC were optimal parameters for diagnosing AKI. Of these parameters, cortical fast ADC had the highest diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.950). CONCLUSIONS The fast ADC of the renal cortex is the core indicator of early AKI, and the medullary MK value might serve as a sensitive biomarker for grading renal injury in SAP rats. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT The multimodal parameters of renal IVIM, DTI, and DKI are potential beneficial for the early diagnosis and severity grading of renal injury in SAP patients. KEY POINTS • The multimodal parameters of renal DWI, including IVIM, DTI, and DKI, may be valuable for the noninvasive detection of early AKI and the severity grading of renal injury in SAP rats. • Cortical fast ADC, medullary MK, FA, and slow ADC are optimal parameters for early diagnosis of AKI, and cortical fast ADC has the highest diagnostic efficacy. • Medullary fast ADC, MK, and FA as well as cortical MK are useful for predicting the severity grade of AKI, and the renal medullary MK value exhibits the strongest correlation with pathological scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghui Li
- Medical Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, 1 South Maoyuan Street, Nanchong, 637001, China
| | - Zenghui Li
- Medical Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, 1 South Maoyuan Street, Nanchong, 637001, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Medical Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, 1 South Maoyuan Street, Nanchong, 637001, China
| | - Yu Pu
- Medical Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, 1 South Maoyuan Street, Nanchong, 637001, China
| | - Yifan Ji
- Medical Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, 1 South Maoyuan Street, Nanchong, 637001, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Medical Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, 1 South Maoyuan Street, Nanchong, 637001, China
| | - Tianwu Chen
- Medical Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, 1 South Maoyuan Street, Nanchong, 637001, China
| | - Qi Liang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, 1 South Maoyuan Street, Nanchong, 637001, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Medical Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, 1 South Maoyuan Street, Nanchong, 637001, China.
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Martín-Noguerol T, Barousse R, Wessell DE, Rossi I, Luna A. Clinical applications of skeletal muscle diffusion tensor imaging. Skeletal Radiol 2023; 52:1639-1649. [PMID: 37083977 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-023-04350-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may allow the determination of new threshold values, based on water anisotropy, to differentiate between healthy muscle and various pathological processes. Additionally, it may quantify treatment monitoring or training effects. Most current studies have evaluated the potential of DTI of skeletal muscle to assess sports-related injuries or therapy, and training monitoring. Another critical area of application of this technique is the characterization and monitoring of primary and secondary myopathies. In this manuscript, we review the application of DTI in the evaluation of skeletal muscle in these and other novel clinical scenarios, with emphasis on the use of quantitative imaging-derived biomarkers. Finally, the main limitations of the introduction of DTI in the clinical setting and potential areas of future use are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Antonio Luna
- MRI Unit, Radiology Department, HT Médica, Jaén, Spain
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Martín-Noguerol T, Barousse R, Wessell DE, Rossi I, Luna A. A handbook for beginners in skeletal muscle diffusion tensor imaging: physical basis and technical adjustments. Eur Radiol 2022; 32:7623-7631. [PMID: 35554647 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-08837-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of skeletal muscle is routinely performed using morphological sequences to acquire anatomical information. Recently, there is an increasing interest in applying advanced MRI techniques that provide pathophysiologic information for skeletal muscle evaluation to complement standard morphologic information. Among these advanced techniques, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has emerged as a potential tool to explore muscle microstructure. DTI can noninvasively assess the movement of water molecules in well-organized tissues with anisotropic diffusion, such as skeletal muscle. The acquisition of DTI studies for skeletal muscle assessment requires specific technical adjustments. Besides, knowledge of DTI physical basis and skeletal muscle physiopathology facilitates the evaluation of this advanced sequence and both image and parameter interpretation. Parameters derived from DTI provide a quantitative assessment of muscle microstructure with potential to become imaging biomarkers of normal and pathological skeletal muscle. KEY POINTS: • Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) allows to evaluate the three-dimensional movement of water molecules inside biological tissues. • The skeletal muscle structure makes it suitable for being evaluated with DTI. • Several technical adjustments have to be considered for obtaining robust and reproducible DTI studies for skeletal muscle assessment, minimizing potential artifacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodoro Martín-Noguerol
- MRI Section, Radiology Department, SERCOSA, HT Médica, Carmelo Torres 2, 23007, Jaén, Spain.
| | | | | | | | - Antonio Luna
- MRI Section, Radiology Department, SERCOSA, HT Médica, Carmelo Torres 2, 23007, Jaén, Spain
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Maier SE, Wallström J, Langkilde F, Johansson J, Kuczera S, Hugosson J, Hellström M. Prostate Cancer Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Does the Choice of Diffusion-Weighting Level Matter? J Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 55:842-853. [PMID: 34535940 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging plays an important role in multiparametric assessment of prostate lesions. The derived apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) could be a useful quantitative biomarker for malignant growth, but lacks acceptance because of low reproducibility. PURPOSE To investigate the impact of the choice of diffusion-weighting levels (b-values) on contrast-to-noise ratio and quantitative measures in prostate diffusion-weighted MRI. STUDY TYPE Retrospective and simulation based on published data. SUBJECTS Patient cohort (21 men with Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2 score ≥3) from a single-center study. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3 T/diffusion-weighted imaging with single-shot echo-planar imaging. ASSESSMENT Both clinical data and simulations based on previously acquired data were used to quantify the influence of b-value choice in normal peripheral zone (PZ) and PZ tumor lesions. For clinical data, ADC was determined for different combinations of b-values. Contrast-to-noise ratio and quantitative diffusion measures were simulated for a wide range of b-values. STATISTICAL TESTS Tissue ADC and the lesion-to-normal tissue ADC ratios of different b-value combinations were compared with paired two-tailed Student's t-tests. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Findings about b-value dependence derived from clinical data and from simulations agreed with each other. Provided measurement was limited to two b-values, simulation-derived optimal b-value choices coincided with PI-RADSv2 recommendations. For two-point measurements, ADC decreased by 15% when the maximum b-value increased from 1000 to 1500 seconds/mm2 , but corresponding lesion-to-normal tissue ADC ratio showed no significant change (P = 0.86 for acquired data). Simulations with three or more measurement points produced ADCs that declined by only 8% over this range of maximum b-value. Corresponding ADC ratios declined between 2.6% (three points) and 3.8% (21 points). Simulations also revealed an ADC reduction of about 19% with the shorter echo and diffusion time evaluated. DATA CONCLUSION The comprehensive assessment of b-value dependence permits better formulation of protocol and analysis recommendations for obtaining reproducible results in prostate cancer diffusion-weighted MRI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan E Maier
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonas Wallström
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Radiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Langkilde
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Radiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jens Johansson
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefan Kuczera
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonas Hugosson
- Department of Urology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Urology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mikael Hellström
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Radiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
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