The authors demonstrate the possibilities of T1 and T2 relaxometry and diffusion MR imaging in investigations of cadaverous kidneys preserved in perfusion solutions under conditions of cold ischaemia at 2 - 3 °C. In the renal cortex relaxation times of T1 = 530 ± 30 ms and T2 = 87 ± 8 ms were assessed. In the medulla the values were significantly higher: T1 = 840 ± 30 ms and T2 = 136 ± 11 ms. These relaxation times do not change within 8 hours after collection of grafts. The mean values of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the renal cortex and medulla were 3.9 ± 0.3 x 10 -4 cm 2 /s and 5.0 ± 0.1 x 10 -4 cm 2 /s. MR imaging is a suitable method for investigating the morphology of cadaverous organs and quantitative data such as T1 and T2 relaxation times and ADC may be used in investigations of physiological and structural changes in the course of ischaemia.

        Key words: T1 relaxation time - T2 relaxation time - diffusion - ADC - cadaverous kidneys