Multi-Parametric MRI for Renal Transplantation

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The goals of this study are: To optimize and evaluate multiple kidney MRI methods; and To investigate the potential of MRI in the assessment of transplant kidney functions; To achieve these goals, we will perform pilot MRI studies with kidney transplant patients. We will study if MRI can reflect different levels of kidney function. The investigators will also evaluate if MRI can differentiate causes for declining kidney function. Finally, the investigators will explore how MRI measures changes before and after medical treatment for worsening kidney function. You may be invited for MRI exams with different exam options. An MRI exam may use either of two types of MRI machines at the center for magnetic resonance research (CMRR): the 3 Tesla (3T) scanner and the 7 Tesla (7T) scanner. You may also be invited for a multi-session exam. A description of the MRI exam types with different exam options and the types of multi-session exams is provided later in this document.

Detailed Description
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To achieve these goals, the investigators will perform pilot MRI studies with kidney transplant patients. The investigators will study if MRI can reflect different levels of kidney function. The investigators will also evaluate if MRI can differentiate causes for declining kidney function. Finally, the investigators will explore how MRI measures changes before and after medical treatment for worsening kidney function. Subjects may be invited for MRI exams with different exam options. An MRI exam may use either of two types of MRI machines at the CMRR: the 3T scanner and the 7T scanner. Subjects may also be invited for a multi-session exam. A description of the MRI exam types with different exam options and the types of multi-session exams is provided later in this document.

Official Title
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Multi-Parametric MRI for Renal Transplantation

Conditions
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Renal Transplant Rejection

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Magnetic Resonance Imaging


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Renal Transplant Recipients Capable to consent English speaking For studies with patients with fast worsening renal function: An abrupt (within 48 h) reduction in kidney function currently defined as a percentage increase in serum creatinine of ≥50% (1.5-fold from baseline), or a reduction in urine output (documented oliguria of less than 0.5 mL/kg/h for more than 6 h). For patients with recovered renal allograft function after therapy: renal allograft function as measured by glomerular filtration rate (eGRF) has been recovered and stabilized above a clinical acceptable level, such as 15 ml/min/1.73 mm2. Exclusion Criteria: On dialysis due to renal allograft failure Acute and chronic pulmonary disease Pregnancy as reported in CMRR Safety Screen Ferromagnetic implants Any foreign metal objects in the body History of shrapnel or shot gun injury Cardiac pacemakers Defibrillator Neuronal stimulator Magnetic aneurysm clip Large tattoos on the abdomen or the brain and neck, as determined by CMRR Safety Officer Hip replacement Too large to fit in the magnet (BMI >= 40, approx.) Severe claustrophobia

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Patients with Stable Renal Function<br>Patients will be given MRI | Device: Magnetic Resonance Imaging<br>* Investigate anatomic and functional characteristics of transplant kidneys using MRI<br>* Other names: MRI;|
| Patients with Worsening Renal Function due to complications<br>MRI | Device: Magnetic Resonance Imaging<br>* Investigate anatomic and functional characteristics of transplant kidneys using MRI<br>* Other names: MRI;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Anatomic and functional MRI characteristics in transplant kidneys with stable renal function | Investigate the correlations between anatomic and functional characteristics by MRI and the level of transplant renal function | Baseline | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Anatomic and functional MRI characteristics of transplant kidneys with transplant complications | Investigate the anatomic and functional MRI characteristics of transplant kidneys with transplant complications with comparisons with those from transplant kidneys having stable renal function | Baseline |