The role of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy in transplantation: from animal models to man

Critical success factors in solid organ and vascular transplantation are th e assessment of graft status/viability as well as stringent monitoring of t ransplant recipients, preferentially using noninvasive techniques. This rev iew addresses the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spect roscopy (MRS) in the field of transplantation. The first section is devoted to the description of the main MR techniques used for monitoring the statu s of the graft noninvasively. Subsequently, the role of MRI/MRS in the anal ysis of the viability of organs for transplantation is discussed. Since chr onic rejection remains a major difficulty, development of new therapies is still ongoing. Thus, the third part is devoted to the use of MRI/MRS for mo nitoring graft rejection in animal models of transplantation. This is follo wed by a discussion of clinical studies of transplantation involving MRI/MR S. Finally, a general appraisal is made on available imaging techniques for the non-invasive characterization of grafts in situ, highlighting the role of MR methods in the field of transplantation. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wil ey & Sons, Ltd.