DCE-MRI in the kidneys

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows a great potential in assessing renal physiology, including renal perfusion and glomerular filtration rate, by using the dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI technique in normal and diseased kidneys. Here we review the protocols for DCE-MRI image acquisition, the several approaches that can be applied for image analysis to extract quantitative parameters, and recent examples of their applications at both the clinical and preclinical level in several kidney-related diseases. Emphasis will be placed on addressing the several challenges that hamper the clinical adoption of this approach and on summarizing the recent advances that should enable a broader adoption in clinical practice for improving diagnosis and therapy in renal diseases.