Functional MRI of the kidneys.
Renal function is characterized by different physiologic aspects, including perfusion, glomerular filtration, interstitial diffusion, and tissue oxygenation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows great promise in assessing these renal tissue characteristics noninvasively. The last decade has witnessed a dramatic progress in MRI techniques for renal function assessment. This article briefly describes relevant renal anatomy and physiology, reviews the applications of functional MRI techniques for the diagnosis of renal diseases, and lists unresolved issues that will require future work.
Department of Radiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA. Lei.Zhang@hsc.utah.edu
Jeff L
JL
Zhang
Henry
H
Rusinek
Hersh
H
Chandarana
Vivian S
VS
Lee
D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007677:Kidney Function Tests / Q000379:methods*