title: Retroperitoneal MR imaging.
abstract: Although CT is usually the first imaging study used to evaluate for retroperitoneal disease, MR imaging is increasingly chosen to further characterize lesions. In addition, MR imaging is the ideal modality for evaluating the extent of retroperitoneal tumors as well as their relationship to adjacent structures and organs. The multiplanar capabilities and soft-tissue contrast resolution are significant advantages of MR over CT. This article reviews the retroperitoneal anatomy and our current imaging techniques. Disease processes that commonly affect the retroperitoneum are discussed along with their MR imaging characteristics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Division of Body Imaging, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Engelken
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Ros
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012185:Retroperitoneal Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D012186:Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space / Q000473:pathology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed