Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) of the kidneys in patient with elevated serum creatinine obstructive uropaty

The aim of this study was to measure Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values in elevated serum creatinine obstructive uropathy by using Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DW-MRI).Diffusion weighted echo-planar images (EPI) were obtained from 50 patients with hydronephrotic kidneys and 26 healthy volunteers. ADC measurements were obtained with renal b100, b600 and b1000 values.Mean renal ADC values in patients with hydronephrosis were 3.10±0.56x10-3, 2.45±0.55x10-3, 1.87±0.26x10-3mm2/sn for b100, b600 and b1000 values, respectively; whereas mean renal ADC values in healthy volunteers of control group were 3.55±0.29x10-3, 2.67±0.49x10-3, 2.09±0.19x10-3mm2/sn for b100, b600 and b1000 values, respectively.ADC measurements of renal parenchyma in hydronephrotic kidney were found to be significantly lower compared to normal kidneys. Diffusion weighted echo-planar imaging of kidneys provides valuable information about renal function.Key Words: Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, hydronephrosis, ADC, echo-planar ımaging, kidney