Repeatability, Reproducibility, and Observer Variability of Cortical T1 Mapping for Renal Tissue Characterization

Background The global rise in kidney diseases underscores the need for reliable, noninvasive imaging biomarkers. Among these, renal cortical T1 has shown promise but further technical validation is still required. Purpose To evaluate the repeatability, reproducibility, and observer variability of kidney cortical T1 mapping in human volunteers without known renal disease. Study Type Prospective. Subjects Three cohorts without renal disease: 1) 25 volunteers (median age 38 [interquartile range, IQR: 28–42] years, female N = 11) for scan–rescan assessments on GE 1.5 T and Siemens 1.5 T; 2) 29 volunteers (median age 29 [IQR: 24–40] years, female N = 15) for scan–rescan assessments on Siemens 3 T; and 3) 16 volunteers (median age 34 [IQR: 31–42] years, female N = 8) for cross‐scanner reproducibility. Field Strength/Sequences 1.5 T and 3 T, a modified Look‐Locker imaging (MOLLI) sequence with a balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) readout. Assessment Kidney cortical T1 data was acquired on GE 1.5 T scanner, Siemens 1.5 T and 3 T scanners. Within‐scanner repeatability and inter/intra‐observer variability: GE 1.5 T and Siemens 1.5 T, and cross‐scanner manufacturer reproducibility: Siemens 1.5 T–GE 1.5 T. Statistical Tests Bland Altman analysis, coefficient of variation (CoV), intra‐class coefficient (ICC), and repeatability coefficient (RC). Results Renal cortical T1 mapping showed high repeatability and reliability across scanner field strengths and manufacturers (repeatability: CoV 1.9%–2.8%, ICC 0.79–0.88, pooled RC 73 msec; reproducibility: CoV 3.0%, ICC 0.75, RC 90 msec). The method also showed robust observer variability (CoV 0.6%–1.4%, ICC 0.93–0.98, RC 22–48 msec). Data Conclusion Kidney cortical T1 mapping is a highly repeatable and reproducible method across MRI manufacturers, field strengths, and observer conditions. Evidence Level 2 Technical Efficacy Stage 2