Application of ASL and MRE to explore changes in renal perfusion and stiffness in hypertensive patients with CKD

Motivation: Renal perfusion and stiffness help diagnose chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet the influence of hypertension on these factors remains unexplored. Goal(s): To explore the correlation between renal perfusion and stiffness in patients with CKD with and without hypertension. Approach: Stiffness and perfusion were measured using renal magnetic resonance elastography and arterial spin labeling, respectively. Data analysis included the t test, receiver operating characteristic curves, and Spearman correlation. Results: Cortical perfusion and stiffness values were positively correlated in CKD patients without hypertension (r = 0.417, P = .038), whereas they did not correlate in those with hypertension (r = 0.279, P > .05). Impact: The study confirms the correlation between renal stiffness and perfusion in differentiating hypertensive patients with CKD, suggesting the necessity of including the effects of perfusion status and hypertensive state when using stiffness values in CKD to ensure accurate assessment.