Overview
This study is being done to find out if a non-invasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination of the kidneys may be helpful for diagnosing lupus nephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Participation involves having a kidney MRI that will take between 30 to 60 minutes. Participants may have 1-4 kidney MRIs over a 6-month time period.
Description
The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the best techniques for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the kidneys in patients with lupus nephritis. This research is being done to evaluate a minimally-invasive method for assessing kidney inflammation and kidney damage in patients with lupus nephritis. Both kidneys will be assessed.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Male and female adults over the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with SLE and are able to undergo a kidney MRI.
Exclusion Criteria:
- The participant cannot take part in the study if they have any contraindications to MRI as specified by the current clinical MRI screening protocols including: metallic foreign objects within the body, programmable shunt/shunt, epidural or Swan Ganz catheter, ear or cochlear implant, eye implant, aneurysm clip, pacemaker/wires, internal defibrillator, tissue expander, recent stent placement, blood vessel coil, tracheostomy, stimulator/wires, infusion pump, penile prosthesis, intra-uterine device (IUD), surgical clips, bullets/pellets/bullet ball (BB), medication patch, tattoo, artificial limb, history of welding or metal fragments in eyes, pregnancy, claustrophobia, requirement of conscious sedation or anesthesia, colonoscopy procedure in the last 8 weeks.
- Any patient that is receiving renal dialysis.
- Any patient that has undergone a renal transplant.