MRI assessment of drug-induced fluid accumulation in humans: validation of the technology

The postural change in sodium MRI and proton T2 signals provides a sensitive method for detecting the fluid accumulation produced by fludrocortisone and nifedipine. The MRI results are consistent with treatment-induced increases in extracellular fluid volume and correlate well with the observed weight gain. These findings support the potential utility of MRI for the evaluation of medication-induced fluid retention.