Renal Fat Accumulation Assessed by MRI or CT and Its Association with Clinical and Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Imaging Review

Background: The term “fatty kidney” refers to the accumulation of fat within the kidney. There is no clear definition of a fatty kidney. In our previous study, we defined a fatty kidney as one with fat accumulation of more than 4% in the kidney as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This condition is associated with renal inflammation and contributes to the development of kidney dysfunction. Fat accumulation in the kidney can be detected using imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) or MRI. Given the clinical importance of renal fat deposition, the aim of this review was to investigate how imaging findings in this condition correlate to disease prevalence and metabolic disorders. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to August 2024. Studies employing MRI or CT for renal fat quantification were included. Data were extracted, and their quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Results: Twenty-eight studies comprising 6994 participants met the inclusion criteria. Most studies used MRI (75%) for fat quantification, with CT limited to renal sinus evaluation. Renal fat fractions (FFs) ranged from 0.4% to 55.3%, with higher values consistently observed in individuals with obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension. A consistent positive association was observed between fatty kidney and fatty liver, suggesting shared pathogenic mechanisms. Conclusions: Fatty kidney appears to be a distinct and clinically relevant entity with strong links to metabolic dysfunction. Imaging-based quantification—particularly MRI—offers a promising tool for early detection, yet standardization is needed. The findings underscore the need for further research into fatty kidney as a modifiable risk factor for renal and cardiovascular disease.