Magnetic resonance imaging of the transplanted kidney and measurement of T₂ relaxation time

Several investigators have reported potential applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the field of renal transplantation because of its usefulness in evaluating tissue chemistry and anatomy with a single noninvasive test. Although there are several reports referring to the T1 relaxation time of the transplanted kidney, there are few papers dealing with T2 values, since these have previously been difficult to obtain. The Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) pulse sequence used in the study has overcome this problem. The purpose of the present study was thus to evaluate the analysis of T2 values and proton density by MRI in determining kidney transplant rejection or dysfunction.