Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging of Kidney After Injection of Iodinated Contrast Medium: A Time Course Study in Animal Model

Kai Zhao¹, Jia Liu¹, Yudong Zhang², Xiaoying Wang¹

With increased usage of iodinated contrast medium (CM), contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) has become one of the most prevalent causes of acute renal failure. But the mechanisms are still not fully understood. The osmolality of contrast media is considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of CIN. We used an animal model and diffusion-weighted MRI to assess the effects of CM on intrarenal water transport function between low osmolality CM (iopamidol 370) and isometric osmolality CM (iodixanol-320). Our time course study indicated that the former CM produced a more progressive and long-lasting reduction in intrarenal diffusion the latter one.