Renal function and diffusion-weighted imaging: a new method to diagnose kidney failure before losing half function.

Aim: To diagnose earlier kidney failure, we investigated renal functions with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).

Methods: We evaluated the DWI of 62 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and compared it with creatinine clearance provided by daily urine collection. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were compared with the five stages of CKD.

Results: For each stage of CKD, the ADC values were found to be significantly different (p < 0.01) and allowed the differentiation of stage 1 of the disease from the other stages.

Conclusion: Renal ADC values show a significant correlation with the clinical stages of CKD. DWI may detect renal failure prior to a rise in creatinine.