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ObjectivesStandardization is an important milestone in the validation of DWI-based parameters as imaging biomarkers for renal disease. Here, we propose technical recommendations on three variants of renal DWI, monoexponential DWI, IVIM and DTI, as well as associated MRI biomarkers (ADC, D, D*, f, FA and MD) to aid ongoing international efforts on methodological harmonization.Materials and methodsReported DWI biomarkers from 194 prior renal DWI studies were extracted and Pearson correlations between diffusion biomarkers and protocol parameters were computed. Based on the literature review, surveys were designed for the consensus building. Survey data were collected via Delphi consensus process on renal DWI preparation, acquisition, analysis, and reporting. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% agreement.ResultsCorrelations were observed between reported diffusion biomarkers and protocol parameters. Out of 87 survey questions, 57 achieved consensus resolution, while many of the remaining questions were resolved by preference (65-74% agreement). Summary of the literature and survey data as well as recommendations for the preparation, acquisition, processing and reporting of renal DWI were provided.DiscussionThe consensus-based technical recommendations for renal DWI aim to facilitate inter-site harmonization and increase clinical impact of the technique on a larger scale by setting a framework for acquisition protocols for future renal DWI studies. We anticipate an iterative process with continuous updating of the recommendations according to progress in the field.

The article Consensus-based technical recommendations for clinical translation of renal diffusion-weighted MRI.

Objectives: Standardization is an important milestone in the validation of DWI-based parameters as imaging biomarkers for renal disease. Here, we propose technical recommendations on three variants of renal DWI, monoexponential DWI, IVIM and DTI, as well as associated MRI biomarkers (ADC, D, D*, f, FA and MD) to aid ongoing international efforts on methodological harmonization., Materials and Methods: Reported DWI biomarkers from 194 prior renal DWI studies were extracted and Pearson correlations between diffusion biomarkers and protocol parameters were computed. Based on the literature review, surveys were designed for the consensus building. Survey data were collected via Delphi consensus process on renal DWI preparation, acquisition, analysis, and reporting. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% agreement., Results: Correlations were observed between reported diffusion biomarkers and protocol parameters. Out of 87 survey questions, 57 achieved consensus resolution, while many of the remaining questions were resolved by preference (65-74% agreement). Summary of the literature and survey data as well as recommendations for the preparation, acquisition, processing and reporting of renal DWI were provided., Discussion: The consensus-based technical recommendations for renal DWI aim to facilitate inter-site harmonization and increase clinical impact of the technique on a larger scale by setting a framework for acquisition protocols for future renal DWI studies. We anticipate an iterative process with continuous updating of the recommendations according to progress in the field.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia (HIT) is a life and limb-threatening acquired autoimmune complication of heparin-based treatment, characterised by thrombocytopaenia and thrombosis. We present a case of a 77-year-old female with concomitant metastatic ovarian and breast cancer who presented to our institution with worsening shortness of breath. She had been diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism 1 month earlier that was treated with therapeutic low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). In view of her worsening symptoms, CT imaging was performed. This demonstrated significant progression of the bilateral pulmonary emboli and new mural thrombosis of the thoracic aorta, despite being compliant with therapeutic anticoagulation. She had also developed thrombocytopaenia since commencing LMWH, which raised the clinical suspicion of HIT syndrome. The HIT pre-test probability score was intermediate and LMWH was immediately discontinued pending further investigation. She was commenced on rivaroxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant, and her platelet count soon recovered. Laboratory testing was strongly positive on both immunological and functional assays, thus confirming a diagnosis of HIT syndrome. A repeat CT scan 3 weeks later showed a reduction in the overall thrombus load. Whilst venous thrombosis is observed in as many as half of patients with HIT, arterial thrombosis is a far less common event. Furthermore, arterial involvement usually affects the distal vessels with significant atherosclerotic burden and typically presents as acute limb ischaemia or ischaemic stroke. Aortic thrombosis, as in this case, is a rare complication of HIT syndrome.