MR urography: evaluation of different techniques in non-dilated tracts.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of different MRI sequences for the visualisation of the different components of the non-dilated urinary tract.


METHODS
20 asymptomatic individuals were prospectively evaluated using 2 different heavily T2 weighted sequences, and after the injection of 2 different doses of gadolinium (Gd-DTPA). Images were independently scored.


RESULTS
The low dose Gd-DTPA enhanced MR urography (MRU) sequence was the best overall sequence for the visualisation of both the pelvicalyceal systems and ureters. The combination of information from the other sequences was additive.


CONCLUSIONS
Combined use of heavily T2 weighted and Gd-DTPA enhanced MRU produces diagnostic images and does not require pre-imaging preparation other than oral hydration.
Hughes
J
J
Department of Clinical Radiology, Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital, London, UK. jaqhug@hotmail.com
Jan
W
W
Goodie
J
J
Lund
R
R
Rankin
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014019:Tissue Donors; D014513:Ureter / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000033:anatomy & histology*
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA