Renal Imaging Techniques

Abstract

The ancient approach to obtain an image of the kidneys (and other internal organs) was ‘section-inspection-imaging’ by drawing, painting, sculpturing, and modelling. The present study follows chronologically the development and use of sectioning techniques from ancient (often forbidden) methods to modern microdissection and maceration of silicone-rubber-injected tubules. Inspection evolved from the use of the naked eye to magnifying lenses, microscopes and finally electron microscopy. Pertinent examples such as the description of the kidneys as the site of urine formation, the visualization of loop structures in the renal medulla and the imaging of tight junction strands are discussed. Inspection or visualization of renal structure and function has been revolutionized by modern noninvasive techniques, such as X-ray imaging, imaging by radioisotopes, ultrasound, computer tomography and nucelar magnetic resonance. Pertinent examples are given demonstrating the potency of the various techniques. The contribution of computerized data evaluation is discussed. The development of micropuncture and microperfusion techniques has opened the field for direct imaging not only of renal (sub)structural details but also of functional parameters such as transtubular reabsorption rates, single gfomerular capillary filtration and conductance of the paracellular pathway. We focus particularly on techniques specifically designed to visualize renal hemodynamic and transport parameters.

The use of microcomputed tomography to study microvasculature in small rodents

“…kidney; imaging; microcirculation; vasculature APPROPRIATE NEPHRON FUNCTION appears to be dependent on the detailed three-dimensional interrelationship of blood vessels with the tubular components. Many techniques and/or methods have been developed to examine the microanatomic arrangement of pre-and postglomerular vasculature (4,29,36,40,54,55,59,71,98). In this respect, such efforts were prompted by early studies showing that urinary excretion varied in relation to the intrarenal environment and was dependent on the coupling of renal microcirculation and tubular components.…”

The Discovery of Renal Contrast Media in Berlin

“…Röntgen died of intestinal cancer in Munich on November 10, 1923. Let us sidestep for a moment to Levy-Dorn [4,5]. This physician was one of the pioneers who sensed the potential importance of X-rays in medicine.…”

“…Other imaging techniques were developed subsequently, such as computer tomography, ultrasound techniques, radionuclide techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance, etc., some of which were truly noninvasive [4,13].…”