MRI can provide excellent detail of renal structure and function. Recently, novel MR contrast mechanisms and imaging tools have been developed to evaluate microscopic kidney structures including the tubules and glomeruli. Quantitative MRI can assess local tubular function and is able to determine the concentrating mechanism of the kidney noninvasively in real time. Measuring single nephron function is now a near possibility. In parallel to advancing imaging techniques for kidney microstructure is a need to carefully understand the relationship between the local source of MRI contrast and the underlying physiological change. The development of these imaging markers can impact the accurate diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease. This study reviews the novel tools to examine kidney microstructure and local function and demonstrates the application of these methods in renal pathophysiology.
Keywords: cationized ferritin agents; gadolinium-based contrast agent; glomerular microstructure; kidney concentrating mechanism; kidney microstructure; magnetic resonance imaging; nephron architecture; quantitative susceptibility mapping; susceptibility tensor imaging.
Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.