MR pyelography in 115 patients with a dilated renal collecting system.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the accuracy of MR pyelography in the assessment of hydroureteronephrosis.


METHODS
One hundred and fifteen patients, with variable degree of hydroureteronephrosis demonstrated by US and urography were subjected to MR pyelography obtained by means of two ultra-fast sequences.


RESULTS
Of the 228 kidneys examined, the collecting systems of 130 kidneys were dilated and correctly identified on MR pyelography, with only 2 false-positive results. The specificity of MR pyelography in detecting hydronephrosis was 98%. Accuracy in revealing level of obstruction was 100%. Sensitivity in detecting stones, strictures and congenital ureteropelvic junction obstructions was respectively 68.9%, 98.5% and 100%.


CONCLUSIONS
MR pyelography can rapidly and accurately depict the morphological features of dilated urinary tracts with information regarding the degree and level of obstruction, without using contrast medium or ionizing radiation.
Blandino
A
A
Department of Radiological Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Gaeta
M
M
Minutoli
F
F
Scribano
E
E
Vinci
S
S
Famulari
C
C
Pandolfo
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006869:Hydronephrosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014515:Ureteral Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*