title: Rapid MRI assessment of renal space-occupying lesions.
abstract: The aim of this study was to determine whether rapidly acquired MRI sequences, taking less than 5 min imaging time, can accurately characterise renal masses. All patients found to have a renal space-occupying lesion on CT or asked to participate in a prospective study using rapidly acquired MRI. The MRI technique was performed on a GE Signa (General Electric, Milwaukee, Wis.) 1.5 T magnet using breath-hold coronal and axial T1 GRASS (fast spoiled gradient-recalled acquisition into steady state, FSPGR30/90) and axial T2 fast spin-echo sequences. The results were analysed by two radiologists unaware of the CT or ultrasound findings. The CT/US was independently viewed by a third radiologist. Lesions were characterised as simple cysts, indeterminate or solid. The MR and CT/US results were correlated and the sensitivity and specificity of MR for the characterisation of simple cysts and solid renal masses calculated. A total of 144 lesions (68 patients; 29 women 39 men, age range 32-78 years, average age 60 years) were studied: 111 simple cysts; 3 hyperdense cysts; 26 renal cell carcinomas; and 4 indeterminate lesions on CT/US. There was agreement between the CT/US and MRI in 82% of cases. All renal cell carcinomas were correctly characterised on MRI. Of simple cysts, 79% were correctly identified using this technique. Breath-hold MRI performed in less than 5 min can accurately characterise the majority of renal masses. It is 100% sensitive in the characterisation of renal carcinoma, and it correctly identified approximately 80% of simple cysts. If used at the time a renal mass is detected on MRI, it would reduce the need for further investigation of the majority of incidentally detected lesions which are simple cysts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London, UK.
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Peppercorn
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Reznek
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography