Non-invasive determination of metabolite concentrations in human transplanted kidney in Vivo by 31 P MR spectroscopy

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate concentrations of phosphorus-containing metabolites in human transplanted kidney in vivo by quantitative ³¹P MR spectroscopy (MRS) using surface coils and to compare the obtained values with previous data.

Material and Methods: In 5 patients with well-functioning transplanted kidneys, ³¹P spectra were obtained with the three-dimensional localization image-selected in vivo spectroscopy technique applying a protocol for quantitative spectroscopy using surface coils. Relaxation corrected signal intensities determined by time domain fitting were used to derive absolute molar concentrations for phosphate-containing metabolites.

Results: Little or no phosphocreatine in all spectra verified the absence of muscle contamination, confirming proper volume localization. The mean concentrations in the transplanted kidneys were as follows: ATP 1.60±0.26 mmol/l, PDE 2.14±0.91 mmol/l, P_i 0.66±0.25 mmol/l, PME 2.32±0.50 mmol/l. These values are consistent with previously reported values determined by other techniques.

Conclusion: The non-invasive determination of absolute metabolite concentrations in human kidney using MRS supplements the use of signal intensity ratios to detect pathologic changes in the energy metabolism of transplanted kidneys.