Role of Conventional MRI (T1 and T2 Weighted Imaging) in Assessment of Stage of Glomerulonephritis
Keywords:
Conventional MRI, T1-weighted imaging, T2-weighted imaging, Glomerulonephritis, Renal biopsy.Abstract
Background: Glomerulonephritis (GN) is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease, with variable presentation and progression. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly T1- and T2-weighted imaging, provides non-invasive evaluation of renal morphology and tissue characteristics.
Objective: To evaluate the role of conventional MRI (T1 and T2 weighted imaging) in assessment of different stages of glomerulonephritis, in correlation with renal biopsy as the reference standard.
Methods: A total of 120 subjects were studied: 40 healthy controls, 40 patients with early GN, and 40 patients with late GN confirmed by renal biopsy. MRI examinations included axial and coronal T1- and T2-weighted sequences. Parameters assessed were kidney size, corticomedullary differentiation (CMD), signal intensity changes, and morphological alterations. Statistical analysis was performed to determine sensitivity and specificity.
Results: Conventional MRI showed progressive reduction in corticomedullary differentiation, cortical thinning, and altered signal intensity across disease stages. T1-weighted imaging was superior in assessing corticomedullary contrast, while T2-weighted imaging highlighted parenchymal edema and advanced parenchymal changes. Sensitivity and specificity of MRI compared with biopsy were 85% and 78% respectively.
Conclusion: Conventional MRI using T1 and T2 weighted sequences is a reliable non-invasive modality for staging glomerulonephritis, showing good correlation with histopathological findings.
