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 the assessment of graft status/viability as well as stringent monitoring of transplant recipients, preferentially using noninvasive techniques. This review addresses the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) in the field of transplantation. The first section is devoted to the description of the main MR techniques used for monitoring the status of the graft noninvasively. Subsequently, the role of MRI/MRS in the analysis of the viability of organs for transplantation is discussed. Since chronic 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 monitoring graft rejection in animal models of transplantation. This is followed by a discussion of clinical studies of transplantation involving MRI/MRS. 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 © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abbreviations used: ATN acute tubular necrosis ATP adenosine triphosphate BMT bone marrow transplantation CsA cyclosporine A CT computerized tomography ECG electrocardiogram FLASH fast low-angle shot Gd-DTPA gadopentate dimeglumine Gd-EOB-DTPA gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid Gd-GRE gadopentate dimeglumine-enhanced gradient-echo Gd-MRA gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography GPC glycerolphosphorylcholine GPE glycerophosphoethanolamine IVIM intravoxel incoherent motion MR magnetic resonance MRA magnetic resonance angiography MRI magnetic resonance imaging MRS magnetic resonance spectroscopy NAA N-acetyl aspartate NTP nucleotide triphosphates PC phase contrast PCho phosphorylcholine PDE phosphodiester Pi inorganic phosphate PE phosphorylethanolamine PME phosphomonoester STAR signal targeting with alternating radiofrequency TMAO trimethylamine-N-oxide TOF time-of-flight UW University of Wisconsin