Diffusion tensor imaging in renal artery stenosis: a preliminary report.

To investigate the diffusion properties in the kidneys affected by renal artery stenosis (RAS) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). In this prospective study, 35 patients with RAS and 15 patients without renal abnormalities were enrolled and examined using DTI. Cortical and medullary regions of interest (ROIs) were located to obtain the corresponding values of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA). The cortical and medullary ADC and FA were compared in the kidney affected by variable degrees of stenosis (RAS 50-75% and >75%) For the controls, the ADC value was significantly ( The alterations of the diffusional parameters caused by RAS can be detected by DTI and could be useful in the diagnostic evaluation of these patients. 1. Magnetic resonance DTI could provide useful information about renal involvement in RAS.2. Magnetic resonance DTI allows non-invasive repeatable evaluation of the renal parenchyma, without contrast media.