Noninvasive Assessment of the Renal Function, Oxford Classification and Prognostic Risk Stratification of IgAN by Using Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Blood Oxygenation Level-Dependent MRI

Background: Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. Oxford classification including mesangial hypercellularity (M), endothelial hypercellularity (E), segmental sclerosis (S), interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (T), and crescent (C) were recommended to predict the prognosis of IgAN.Purpose: To explore whether multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be applied to assess the renal function, Oxford classification, and risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease within 5 years of IgAN.Study Type: Prospective.Population: A total of 46 patients with pathologically confirmed IgAN and 20 healthy volunteers.Field Strength/SequenceA 3-T, blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD)-MRI, intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI).Assessment: Two radiologists measured the cortex and medulla T2*, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), true diffusion (Dt), pseudo-diffusion (Dp), perfusion fraction (fp). All participants were divided into three groups: group 1, healthy volunteers; group 2, patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >= 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2); group 3, patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). Or two groups: group A, 5-year risk scores <= 10% and group B, 5-year risk scores > 10%.Statistical Tests: Intraclass correlation coefficient, one-way analysis of variance, least-significant difference, Student's t-test, Pearson product-moment correlation, Spearman's rank correlation, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) with the area under the curve (AUC). A P valueResults: Except for cortical Dp, all other MRI parameters showed significant differences between group 1 and group 2. None of the MRI parameters showed a significant correlation with M, E, or C scores. Cortical T2*, Dt, fp, and medullary Dt and fp showed low-to-moderate significant correlations with S scores. Except for cortical and medullary Dp, all other MRI parameters were significantly correlated with T scores. Cortical Dt showed the largest AUC for differentiating group A from group B (AUC = 0.927) and T0 from T1/T2 (AUC = 0.963).Data Conclusion: Imaging by IVIM-DWI and BOLD-MRI could facilitate noninvasive assessment of the renal function, Oxford classification, and prognostic risk of IgAN patients.Evidence Level: 2.Technical Efficacy: Stage 3.