(Paediatric) magnetic resonance urography: just fancy images or a new important diagnostic tool?
OBJECTIVE
Magnetic resonance urography has become an established imaging tool in uroradiology. Its potential to assess anatomy and function makes it an ideal tool for evaluation of urinary tract malformations, renal cysts, genito-urinary tract tumours, infections and renal transplants. This review tries to highlight the potential of magnetic resonance urography in the light of new advances, particularly focusing on paediatric applications.


RESULTS
Technical innovations such as diaphragmatic tracking, parallel or propeller imaging, faster gradients and higher field strength improve applicability in infants and children. Dynamic studies enable assessment of renal functional parameters such as split renal function, glomerular filtration rate or urinary drainage. Recent advances in magnetic resonance spectroscopy, diffusion imaging and perfusion imaging and new contrast agents promise to widen the potential of magnetic resonance urography as a functional imaging tool, not only in paediatrics but also for other magnetic resonance applications in the genito-urinary tract, such as prostate imaging or in the staging of ovarian and endometrial cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Besides ultrasound being used as the initial imaging method, particularly in children (and as computed tomography in adults), magnetic resonance urography can be envisioned as the major imaging modality for almost all (paediatric) uroradiological queries, consequently creating a growing demand for available equipment and procedural expertise.
Riccabona
Michael
M
Department of Radiology, Division of Paediatric Radiology, University Hospital Graz, Austria. michael.riccabona@klinikum-graz.at
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000639:trends; D014567:Urography; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*