Gadolinium-Enhanced MR Imaging of Normal Renal Transplants

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the potential usefulness of dynamic MR with echo-planar imaging (EPI) in assessing the renal function in patients with renal allografts. Material and Methods: Using a T1-weighted sequence, EPI was performed after injection of a Gd-chelate in 17 patients with normally functioning renal allografts. Time-intensity curves were plotted from the signal intensity (SI) measurements of the cortex and the medulla. Results: the pattern of corticomedullar differentiation (CMD) observed after contrast enhancement was divided into four phases using the T1-EPI. After a rapid decrease in the SI of cortical structures, and a subsequent return to precontrast levels, a gradual fall in the SI of the medulla was observed. the average time between the two periods of signal loss was 60 s. Conclusion: This study illustrated the potential use of dynamic T1-EPI to demonstrate contrast-induced CMD in renal allografts.