March 3, 2026Open Access

EXPRESS: Diffusion tensor imaging of the healthy feline kidney

Key Points

Diffusion tensor imaging parameters varied significantly between the cortex and medulla of feline kidneys.
Mean values for apparent diffusion coefficient, fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity were contrasted using two sampling methods.
MRI with diffusion tensor imaging at 3 Tesla provided detailed insights into kidney micro-structure across 17 healthy cats.
The findings indicate potential for early diagnosis of renal issues in cats, fostering further exploration of feline kidney health.

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and its derived parameters, such as apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD) and axial diffusivity (AD) of the feline kidneys.MethodsSeventeen cats with clinically normal urinary tract underwent 3 Tesla MRI with DTI sequence (b-values of b=0,800 s/mm2, 15 diffusion directions). DTI images were analyzed and sampled in manually drawn regions of interest (ROIs) on 3 transverse slices, with 2 different sampling methods (small and large ROIs), on the cortex and on the medulla separately, and on the entire parenchyma.ResultsDTI images of the kidneys of 17 cats were analyzed. ADC, FA, RD, AD values differed significantly between cortex and medulla with both the sampling methods.Conclusion and relevanceThe results of the present study indicate micro-structural similarities between feline and human kidneys. This study provides baseline data in healthy feline kidney for future potential application in the early diagnosis of renal pathologies in cats.

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Chicca et al. (Wed,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69a75d36c6e9836116a26dc6 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612x261420859

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