Quantitative perfusion imaging of human kidneys was performed using arteria
l spin labeling MRT with a fast spin echo readout-sequence. Perfusion maps
of centrally located single slices were obtained in axial and coronal orien
tations. In ten healthy volunteers, the mean value of perfusion was 213 +/-
55 mL(100g min) with a range from 140 to 319 mL/(100g min). These results
are in accordance with literature data, considering the fact that FAIR only
measures the perfusion component normal to the imaging plane. Intra-indivi
dual reproducibility errors of +/- 11% were smaller than the natural interi
ndividual variability of renal perfusion (SD = +/- 25%). Perfusion in the c
ortex was approximately 3-4 times higher compared to the medulla. Consideri
ng the relatively high resolution of 2 x 2 x 10 mm(3), the ability to quant
ify perfusion, and the lack of ionizing radiation and contrast media, this
technique should prove useful in diagnosing renal pathologies that are asso
ciated with reductions in tissue perfusion. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.
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