MR urography today.
Magnetic resonance (MR) urography is performed by pursuing two different imaging strategies. On the one hand, heavily T2-weighted turbo spin-echo sequences are employed for obtaining unenhanced static-water images of the urinary tract. On the other, the T(1)-weighted MR urographic technique imitates conventional intravenous pyelography and is, therefore, referred to as excretory MR urography. For this reason, a gadolinium contrast agent is injected intravenously and, after its renal excretion, the gadolinium-enhanced urine is imaged with fast T1-weighted gradient-echo sequences. Both MR urographic techniques can be combined for a comprehensive examination of the upper urinary tract. This article reviews the current technical principles, imaging capabilities, and clinical applications of T2- and T1-weighted MR urography in adult and pediatric patients.
Nolte-Ernsting
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CC
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Technology, Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, D-52057 Aachen, Germany.
Staatz
G
G
Tacke
J
J
Günther
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RW
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D014551:Urinary Tract; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*