title: MRI of the kidney-state of the art.
abstract: Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) are modalities of first choice in renal imaging. Until now, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has mainly been used as a problem-solving technique. MRI has the advantage of superior soft-tissue contrast, which provides a powerful tool in the detection and characterization of renal lesions. The MRI features of common and less common renal lesions are discussed as well as the evaluation of the spread of malignant lesions and preoperative assessment. MR urography technique and applications are discussed as well as the role of MRI in the evaluation of potential kidney donors. Furthermore the advances in functional MRI of the kidney are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.nikken@erasmusmc.nl
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Nikken
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Krestin
mesh_terms: D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000473:pathology; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D009399:Nephrons / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D051598:Whole Body Imaging / Q000379:methods*