Multi-Parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Kidney and Cardiovascular Disease
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful modality. Functional MRI encompasses a large variety of techniques that measure diverse physiological markers in many organs.
MRI uniquely acquires detailed information without imposing ionizing radiation, and many applications don't require contrast agents. Although renal functional MRI tools are still largely experimental, understanding their inherent power may facilitate adaptation for clinical practice.
Our lab has several ongoing projects that aim to assess renal and cardiac hemodynamics and function in small animal models using high-field MRI and in large animal models and human research participants using clinical 3T MRI.
MRI methods used in this research project include:
- Dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging to assess renal perfusion and glomerular filtration rate
- Arterial spin labeling
- Diffusion-weighted imaging
- Blood oxygen level-dependent imaging (BOLD-MRI)
- Manganese-enhanced MRI
- Myocardial tagging
In addition, a major focus of our lab is on the assessment of renal fibrosis. For this purpose we have used:
- Magnetization transfer imaging
- Diffusion-weighted imaging
- MR elastography