Influence of age on parameters of multiparametric functional renal MRI: A prospective exploratory study

IF 3.3 3区医学 Q1 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

European Journal of Radiology Pub Date : 2025-08-17 DOI:10.1016/j.ejrad.2025.112366

Toni Rabadi, Luisa Kirchner, Antonia M. Pausch, Clara Elsner, Andreas M. Hötker

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction/objective

To investigate the ability of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to non-invasively assess the influence of aging on renal microstructure and function.

Materials and methods

This prospective, diagnostic, IRB-approved study included healthy volunteers over 18 years of age who underwent renal mpMRI at 3 Tesla. The mpMRI study protocols included T1, T2, and T2* mapping, arterial spin labeling, and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion imaging. Participants were stratified into three predefined age groups. Associations between MRI-derived renal biomarkers and age were assessed using Pearson or Spearman correlation, ANOVA, simple and multivariable linear regression analysis.

Results

A total of 46 healthy volunteers were included and stratified into three age groups (20–40, 40–60, and 60 + years). T1 medullary (T1 M) relaxation times significantly decreased with age (p < 0.01), accompanied by a reduction in T2* medullary (T2* M) values (p < 0.01) and renal blood flow (RBF) as measured by ASL (p = 0.03). No significant associations were observed between age and IVIM parameters or T2 times. MRI-derived values showed no correlation with serum creatinine in healthy volunteers.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that changes in renal microstructure and function can be quantified using mpMRI, with T1 M and T2* M values as well as RBF emerging as potential imaging biomarkers for renal aging. The ability to assess renal physiology non-invasively using functional MRI may provide a valuable tool for distinguishing physiological renal aging from early pathological deterioration. This approach may enhance early detection of kidney disease and risk stratification in nephrology.

Question

Can multiparametric renal MRI non-invasively detect age-related changes in kidney microstructure in healthy adults?

Finding

Medullary T1 and T2* values as well as renal blood flow significantly decline with increasing age in healthy volunteers.

Clinical relevance

Multiparametric MRI enables early, non-invasive assessment of physiological renal aging and may assist in differentiating early kidney disease from normal aging.

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年龄对多参数功能性肾MRI参数影响的前瞻性探索性研究

目的探讨多参数磁共振成像（mpMRI）在无创评估衰老对肾脏微观结构和功能影响中的应用价值。材料和方法这项前瞻性、诊断性、经irb批准的研究纳入了18岁以上的健康志愿者，他们在3特斯拉时接受了肾脏mpMRI检查。mpMRI研究方案包括T1、T2和T2*成像、动脉自旋标记和体素内非相干运动（IVIM）扩散成像。参与者被分成三个预定的年龄组。采用Pearson或Spearman相关、方差分析、简单和多变量线性回归分析来评估mri来源的肾脏生物标志物与年龄之间的关系。结果共纳入46例健康志愿者，按年龄分为20-40岁、40-60岁和60岁以上3组。T1髓质（T1 M）舒张时间随年龄明显减少（p < 0.01）， T2*髓质（T2* M）值降低（p < 0.01）， ASL测定肾血流量（RBF）降低（p = 0.03）。年龄与IVIM参数或T2时间无显著相关性。在健康志愿者中，mri衍生值与血清肌酐没有相关性。结论mpMRI可以量化肾脏微观结构和功能的变化，T1 M和T2* M值以及RBF可能成为肾脏衰老的潜在成像生物标志物。使用功能性MRI无创评估肾脏生理的能力可能为区分生理性肾脏老化和早期病理性恶化提供有价值的工具。这种方法可以提高肾脏疾病的早期发现和肾脏病学的风险分层。多参数肾脏MRI无创检测健康成人肾脏微结构的年龄相关性变化吗？发现健康志愿者随着年龄的增长，髓质T1、T2*值及肾血流量明显下降。多参数MRI能够早期、无创地评估生理性肾脏衰老，并有助于区分早期肾脏疾病和正常衰老。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

European Journal of Radiology 医学-核医学

CiteScore

6.70

自引率

3.00%

发文量

398

审稿时长

42 days

期刊介绍： European Journal of Radiology is an international journal which aims to communicate to its readers, state-of-the-art information on imaging developments in the form of high quality original research articles and timely reviews on current developments in the field. Its audience includes clinicians at all levels of training including radiology trainees, newly qualified imaging specialists and the experienced radiologist. Its aim is to inform efficient, appropriate and evidence-based imaging practice to the benefit of patients worldwide.