[Gadolinium-enhanced T(1)-weighted MR urography versus T(2)-weighted (HASTE) MR urography in children].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate gadolinium-enhanced T(1)-weighted excretory MR urography (EMRU) versus T(2)-weighted (HASTE) MR urography in children with upper urinary tract abnormalities.


METHODS
In a prospective study 63 children, aged from 3 weeks to 15 years, underwent MR urography in a 1.5-T scanner. Before and after an intravenous injection of 0.05 mg/kg body weight of furosemide, respiratory-triggered HASTE images were obtained for T(2)-weighted MR urography. EMRU was performed subsequent to i. v. gadolinium injection with respiratory-gated, coronal 3 D-gradient-echo sequences.


RESULTS
Compared to T(2)-weighted (HASTE) MR urography, gadolinium-enhanced MR urography revealed a superior diagnostic accuracy in non-dilated collecting systems (horseshoe kidneys, ectopic kidneys, duplex systems, single ectopic ureters, ureteroceles). EMRU and T(2)-weighted (HASTE) MRU turned out to be equivalent in the assessment of obstructed but normal functioning upper urinary tracts (UPJ obstructions, megaureters). Non-functioning dilated collecting systems and multicystic dysplastic kidneys were best visualized with use of T(2)-weighted (HASTE) MR urography.


CONCLUSIONS
Respiratory-gated gadolinium-enhanced T(1)-weighted MRU allows accurate evaluation of most upper urinary tract abnormalities. T(2)-weighted (HASTE) MRU complements GMRU in the evaluation of non-functioning renal units and cystic disease of the kidneys.
Staatz
G
G
Klinik für Radiologische Diagnostik, Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen. staatz@rad.rwth-aachen.de
Nolte-Ernsting
C C
CC
Haage
P
P
Tacke
J
J
Rohrmann
D
D
Stollbrink
C
C
Günther
R W
RW
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media; D004232:Diuretics; D005260:Female; D005665:Furosemide; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007668:Kidney / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014567:Urography / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D004232:Diuretics; D005665:Furosemide; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA