MR EVALUATION OF THE DYSFUNCTIONING KIDNE Y-TRANSPLANT

Immediate diagnosis of rejection is essential for the prognosis of a r enal transplant. To differentiate between rejection and acute tubular necrosis, 48 examinations (31 patients) were evaluated by Magnetic Res onance Imaging and Duplex Doppler ultrasound, and compared to the clin ical outcome and histology. Sensitivity of MRI and Duplex Doppler was 82 % (14/17), specificity was 77% (24/31) and 84% (26/31), respectivel y. Even when the re suits of both methods matched well, due to the ext ensive financial and technical efforts MRI may only be used as an addi tional tool for diagnosis.